Nepali Cinema Icon Sunil Thapa Passes Away at 68, Priyanka Chopra Leads Tributes
The entertainment world is in mourning following the sudden demise of veteran Nepali actor Sunil Thapa, who passed away on Friday at the age of 68. Thapa, a beloved figure with a career spanning over four decades and more than 300 films, left an indelible mark across Nepali, Bhojpuri, and Bollywood cinema. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues alike, most notably from global star Priyanka Chopra.
Priyanka Chopra's Heartfelt Tribute to Her 'Coach Sir'
On Saturday, Priyanka Chopra took to Instagram to share a moving video montage of moments from the sets of the 2014 biopic 'Mary Kom', where she portrayed the legendary boxer and Thapa played her coach, Narjit Singh. In an emotional post, Priyanka expressed deep sorrow, writing, "You will always be my Coach Sir. You kept me together when I had just lost my dad. You loved me and helped me through many tough days without even realising." She added that his warm hugs and laughter would forever remain in her memories, concluding with, "Gone too young but never forgotten." Priyanka extended her condolences to Thapa's family, thanking him for his kindness during a broken phase of her life.
Details of Sunil Thapa's Passing and Illustrious Career
According to reports from The Kathmandu Post, Sunil Thapa passed away on Friday morning while undergoing treatment at Norvic Hospital in Thapathali, Kathmandu. His health had suddenly worsened, and he was brought to the hospital unconscious. An ECG conducted at 7:44 am confirmed his death, marking the end of an era for Nepali cinema.
Thapa's career was nothing short of legendary. He made his acting debut with the Hindi film 'Ek Duuje Ke Liye' in 1981 and went on to appear in numerous Bollywood projects, including 'Aaj Ki Awaaz', 'Manav Hatya', and 'Albela'. More recently, he gained recognition for his brief but impactful role in the popular web series 'The Family Man' season 3, where he played David Khuzou, a respected leader and MCA Chief in Nagaland.
Tributes Pour In from the Entertainment Industry
Following the news of his death, actor Manoj Bajpayee, who starred alongside Thapa in 'The Family Man 3', paid tribute on social media. He wrote, "It’s so so sad! God bless your soul sir! My 3rd season TFM memories will live forever because of you!" This sentiment echoed across the industry, highlighting Thapa's enduring legacy as a compassionate and talented artist.
Sunil Thapa's contributions to cinema extended beyond acting; he was a cultural icon who bridged regional and mainstream film industries. His work in Nepali cinema solidified his status as a household name, while his forays into Bhojpuri and Hindi films showcased his versatility. As the entertainment community reflects on his life, his roles in projects like 'Mary Kom' and 'The Family Man 3' will continue to inspire future generations.
The loss of Sunil Thapa is a significant blow to the film world, but his legacy of kindness, professionalism, and artistic excellence will undoubtedly live on. Fans and colleagues remember him not just for his on-screen performances, but for the warmth and support he offered off-screen, as vividly recalled by Priyanka Chopra in her heartfelt tribute.
