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Nepal Bids Farewell To Sunil Thapa, Greatest Villain Of All Time

The body of Nepali veteran actor Sunil Thapa, who plays the role of a coach in the Bollywood movie ''Mary Kom,'' arrives at the Pashupatinath Crematorium in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 8, 2026, to perform his final rites. Thapa is actively involved in Nepali and Indian cinema for decades, and his untimely demise leaves the entire Nepali arts and film fraternity in shock. He is widely respected for giving depth, recognition, and dignity to antagonistic roles in Nepali films, earning acclaim comparable to that of lead actors. He is especially popular among audiences for his iconic role as 'Rate Kaila,' which becomes one of the most memorable villains in Nepali cinema. Through his strong screen presence and distinctive acting style, Thapa earns a unique place for himself in the film industry. Born on May 19, 1957, Thapa contributes to acting, modeling, sports, and various aspects of the film industry. He begins his professional life as a model, working in Mumbai in the 1970s for prominent brands including Binny and Mafatlals. In those early years, he also plays competitive football, representing ICL Club Bombay and Orkay Sports Club. While modeling, he works as a photojournalist for Junior Statesman magazine. He covers Bhutan's 1974 coronation ceremony. He makes his Bollywood debut in 1981 with the Hindi film ''Ek Duuje Ke Liye,'' a major commercial success that introduces him to Indian audiences. He later returns to Nepal and rises to prominence following the release of Chino, a landmark Nepali film that secures his place in the country's cinematic history. It is Chino that transforms him into a household name. His portrayal of the antagonist ''Ratey Kaila'' is both unsettling and magnetic, earning acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The character becomes so iconic that Thapa is widely recognized by the role's name rather than his own. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

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