Veteran Nepali actor Sunil Thapa has passed away at the age of 68.

Thapa died on Friday morning while undergoing treatment at Norvic Hospital in Thapathali, Kathmandu, after his health suddenly deteriorated.

Rajendra Bahadur Singh, chairperson at the hospital, told the Post that he was brought to the hospital in an unconscious state. An ECG conducted at 7:44 am confirmed his death, with doctors suspecting cardiac arrest as the cause.

“He was unconscious when he was brought in. An ECG was done immediately, which confirmed his death,” a hospital source told the Post.

A towering figure in Nepali cinema, Thapa worked extensively in Nepali, Bollywood and Bhojpuri films over several decades. He appeared in more than 300 Nepali films and was widely known for his iconic role as ‘Rate Kaila’ in the film Chino, a character that established him as one of the most sought-after antagonists in the industry.

Before entering films, Thapa began his career as a model in Mumbai in the mid-1970s, working with major fabric brands. He was also actively involved in sports and played professional football for clubs in Bombay. In his early years, he worked as a photojournalist for JS Magazine (Junior Statesman) and covered the Bhutan Coronation in 1974.

In Indian cinema, Thapa earned wider recognition for his supporting role in the film Mary Kom, for which he received a nomination at the Filmfare Awards. He had earlier debuted in Bollywood with Ek Duuje Ke Liye and went on to work in several Hindi, Tamil and Bhojpuri productions.

Thapa also served as the chairperson of the Everest Film Academy. His most recent screen appearance was in the film Eklo.

While other members of his family reside in Mumbai, India, Thapa had been living in an apartment in Kathmandu.

Hospital sources said a formal announcement would be made after the arrival of his family members.