The Family Man 3 actor Sunil Thapa dies at 68; Remembering the star who redefined antagonists across 300 films

The Family Man 3 actor Sunil Thapa dies at 68: There are actors whose presence lingers long after the screen fades to black. Sunil Thapa was one such performer—an artist whose career travelled across borders, languages and generations, leaving behind a body of work that quietly but firmly shaped South Asian cinema. The veteran Nepali actor passed away on Sunday, February 7, at the age of 68. He breathed his last at Norvic Hospital in Thapathali, Kathmandu.

According to a report by The Kathmandu Post, doctors suspect a cardiac arrest. An ECG was conducted at 7:55 am to determine the cause of death, and a detailed medical bulletin is expected once the family completes the necessary formalities. While Thapa lived in Nepal, his immediate family members are based in Mumbai. At the time of writing, details regarding his funeral and last rites are awaited.

News of his sudden demise has sent a wave of grief through the Nepali film industry and among audiences who grew up watching him dominate the screen—often as a formidable antagonist, sometimes as a quiet authority figure, but always with unmistakable conviction.

Born in Dang, Nepal, Sunil Thapa’s life before cinema was as layered as the characters he later portrayed. Long before film sets and scripts became routine, he worked as a model and even played professional football for clubs in Bombay. In an era when careers were rarely linear, Thapa also explored journalism, working as a photojournalist for JS Magazine (Junior Statesman). One of his notable assignments included covering the Bhutan Coronation in 1974—a detail that still surprises even his ardent fans.

His acting debut came with the Hindi film Ek Duuje Ke Liye, a cult classic remembered for its emotional depth. Although the film gave him early visibility, it was Nepali cinema that truly embraced Thapa. Over the years, he appeared in more than 300 Nepali films, becoming one of the industry’s most recognisable faces.

Trivia worth noting: Thapa’s performance as Rate Kaila in Chino (1989) turned him into one of the most sought-after villains of his time. The role was so impactful that it set a template for antagonists in Nepali cinema through the 1990s.

A career that crossed industries and borders

While Nepali films remained his strongest base, Sunil Thapa maintained a steady presence in Indian cinema as well. After Ek Duuje Ke Liye, he went on to act in Hindi films such as Manav Hatya (1981) and Albela (1989). Decades later, he appeared in Mary Kom, starring Priyanka Chopra, where his brief yet effective role once again reminded viewers of his screen command.

In 2017, he featured in GST – Galti Sirf Tumhari, and his final film appearance was in Eklo. Beyond acting, Thapa remained deeply invested in nurturing future talent. He served as the chairperson of the Everest Film Academy, contributing significantly to film education and mentorship in Nepal.

Sunil Thapa in The Family Man 3

For a new generation of viewers, Sunil Thapa became a familiar face through the much-anticipated series The Family Man 3. Sharing screen space with Manoj Bajpayee and Dalip Tahil, Thapa played David Khuju, a local Nagaland leader and the head of the MCA.

His character was integral to the narrative arc involving Project Sahakar—a peace initiative aimed at restoring stability and development in India’s northeastern region. David Khuju’s journey, marked by political complexity and moral conflict, ended tragically in the series, making the role one of Thapa’s most emotionally resonant performances in recent years.

A legacy that outlives the screen

Sunil Thapa’s death marks the end of an era, but his legacy remains firmly intact. Few actors manage to stay relevant across decades, languages and evolving audience tastes. Thapa did so without flamboyance, relying instead on discipline, adaptability and an instinctive understanding of human conflict. As tributes pour in from colleagues, students and fans, one truth stands clear: Nepali cinema has lost not just a veteran actor, but a storyteller who understood the power of restraint as much as intensity. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.