Actor Sunil Thapa, who played Priyanka Chopra’s coach in Mary Kom, passes away at the age of 68
Sunil Thapa, known for his roles in Nepali and Indian cinema, died in Kathmandu after cardiac arrest. He was 68 years old and had worked with Priyanka Chopra in Mary Kom.

Actor Sunil Thapa died in Kathmandu after suffering a cardiac arrest at the age of 68. He has worked extensively in Nepali, Bollywood and Bhojpuri cinema. One of his most notable roles was playing Priyanka Chopra’s coach in Mary Kom. A formal announcement will be made after his family members reach Kathmandu.
He started his film career with Bollywood film Made for each other. Over the years, he became a prominent figure in Nepali cinema, especially for his villain roles. His versatility and dedication helped shape the industry for more than four decades.
A hospital source said kathmandu post“He was unconscious when he was brought. Immediately an ECG was done, which confirmed his death.” Doctors suspect cardiac arrest, but the official medical report is pending.
Notable roles
Born in Dang, Nepal, Thapa worked in more than 300 Nepali films. He was widely known for his role as Rhett Calla in the cult classic Chino (1991), which remains one of the most iconic performances in Nepali film history. His presence on screen made an impact on audiences and colleagues alike.
International recognition and later work
Thapa rose to international recognition after playing the role of coach Narjeet Singh in the 2014 film Mary KomWhere he acted with Priyanka Chopra. This performance earned him praise outside Nepal and cemented his position in the South Asian film scene.
Before turning to acting, Thapa started her career as a model in Mumbai in the mid-1970s. She later ventured into films and played notable roles in both Hindi and regional cinema.
His recent work included a brief appearance as David Khouzou The Family Man Season 3Portrait of a respected leader and MCA chief in Nagaland.
legacy in films
Throughout his career, Thapa has received several awards, including the Motion Pictures Award Nepal twice. He also served as the President of Everest Film Academy and contributed in the development and guidance of the film fraternity.
Known for moving effortlessly between villain and guru roles, Thapa was praised for his adaptability to different genres and languages.