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Veteran Nepali star who played Priyanka Chopra’s coach passes away in Kathmandu
February 7, 2026: Veteran Nepali actor Sunil Thapa, best known to Indian audiences for playing Priyanka Chopra’s coach in Mary Kom (2014), has passed away at the age of 68. According to The Kathmandu Post, the actor died on Friday morning in Kathmandu after suffering a suspected heart attack. He was undergoing treatment at Norvic Hospital in Thapathali when his condition suddenly worsened.
Born in Dang, Nepal, Sunil Thapa had a distinguished career spanning over four decades and featured in more than 300 Nepali films. He was a towering figure in Nepal’s film industry and is especially remembered for his iconic villainous role as Rate Kaila in the cult classic Chino (1991), a performance that remains etched in Nepali cinema history.
Before establishing himself as an actor, Sunil began his career as a model in Mumbai in the mid-1970s and made his film debut with Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981). Apart from Mary Kom, he also appeared in The Family Man Season 3, portraying David Khuzou, a prominent leader from Nagaland. Beyond acting, he served as the chairperson of the Everest Film Academy and was widely respected for his versatility, seamlessly transitioning between intense villain roles and dignified mentor characters.