Sunil Thapa Biography – Nepal’s Iconic Villain and Versatile Actor
Full Name: Sunil Thapa
Date of Birth: May 19, 1957
Birthplace: Kathmandu, Nepal
Nationality: Nepalese
Profession: Actor, Model, Photojournalist
Years Active: 1974–present
Known For: Chino, Mary Kom, Mukhauta, Sher Bahadur
Height: 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m)
Nickname: Rate Kaila
Early Life and Career
Sunil Thapa was born on May 19, 1957, in Kathmandu, Nepal. He began his career as a model in Mumbai in 1974, working with brands like Binny’s and Mafatlal Fabrics. In addition to modeling, Thapa was a professional football player for ICL Club Bombay and Orkay’s Sports Club. He also worked as a photojournalist for JS Magazine, covering significant events such as the Bhutan Coronation in 1974.
Acting Career
Thapa’s acting debut came with the Bollywood film Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981). He gained widespread recognition in Nepal for his portrayal of the villain Rate Kaila in the blockbuster Chino (1991), a role that earned him the nickname “Raate Kaila.”
Over the years, Thapa has appeared in numerous Nepali, Bollywood, and Bhojpuri films, often portraying antagonist roles. His performance in Mary Kom (2014) as Onler Kom garnered critical acclaim and a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Filmfare Awards.
In 2018, Thapa made a notable comeback to Nepali cinema with the film Sher Bahadur, where he played a blind former army man. To prepare for the role, he consulted with eye care professionals to authentically portray the character.
Notable Films
-
Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981)
-
Chino (1991) – Rate Kaila
-
Deuki (1991)
-
Thuldai (1999)
-
Aago (2000)
-
Mary Kom (2014) – Onler Kom
-
Mukhauta (2014) – Mr. D
-
The Soldier (2016)
-
Sher Bahadur (2018)
-
Kwatha (Upcoming)
Awards and Recognitions
-
Haritara Film Award for contributions to the Nepali film industry.
Personal Life
Sunil Thapa is married to Rajani Thapa, and the couple has two children: a son, Amol Thapa, and a daughter, Precious Thapa.
Net Worth
As of 2023, Sunil Thapa’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $5 million, primarily earned through his acting career.
Social Media Presence
-
Facebook: Sunil Thapa
-
IMDb: Sunil Thapa
Note: All information is accurate as of May 2025. For the latest updates, follow Sunil Thapa on his official social media channels.