Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Veteran actor Sunil Thapa, who passed away in Kathmandu on Saturday, was cremated at Aryaghat, Pashupatinath, on Sunday evening. He was 68.
Before the cremation, his body was kept at the premises of the Nepal Film Development Board, where prominent artists, including Madan Krishna Shrestha, Haribansha Acharya, Rekha Thapa, Aakash Shrestha, Karishma Manandhar, Neer Shah, Mohan Niraula, Bhuwan Chand, Gauri Malla, and Dinesh DC, among others, paid their final tributes.
Thapa was working at the time of his death and had been busy shooting for the film Ram Naam Satya. According to the film’s director, Michael Chand, Thapa had been on set until late Friday night. “He was shooting until 10 pm on Friday. We had planned to complete all his scenes that night, but he himself suggested we do it on Saturday morning, so we postponed it. He had been working on the film for nearly four weeks,” Chand told RSS news agency.
The veteran actor had an illustrious career spanning decades. He appeared in numerous hit Nepali films, including Chino, Ranko, Sapana, Deuki, Thuldai, and Aago. He also acted in several Indian films, including Ek Duuje Ke Liye, Manav Hatya, Albela, and Mary Kom. He recently appeared in the third season of the popular Amazon series The Family Man.
Tributes have poured in from across Nepal and beyond following his demise. Condolences from political leaders, filmmakers, and actors in both Nepal and India have flooded social media. Prime Minister Sushila Karki said she was shocked by Thapa’s untimely demise. With Thapa’s passing, the Nepali and Indian film industries have lost not only a versatile artist but also a strong pillar. Every character portrayed by Thapa will forever remain alive in the memories of audiences,” she said in her condolence message.
Actor Priyanka Chopra, who worked with Thapa in the biopic Mary Kom, where he portrayed boxer Mary Kom’s coach, also shared an emotional tribute. “You will always be my Coach, Sir. You kept me together when I had just lost my dad… Gone too young but never forgotten,” she wrote, offering condolences to his family and loved ones.
Veteran actor Bhuwan KC described Thapa as more than just a colleague. “For me, Sunil Thapa was not only an actor but a good friend. From Chino to Captain, we worked together on many films. We always greeted each other with Ke chha dost? (How are you, friend?)’ His departure is an irreparable loss,” he said.
Actor Rajesh Hamal called Thapa a defining figure in Nepali cinema. “You are an important turning point in the history of Nepali films. I dedicate my film journey to you. Your absence will always be felt,” Hamal said.
Renowned filmmaker Tulsi Ghimire, who had given the iconic role of Rate Kaila to Thapa, recalled his dedication to his craft. “He always took his work seriously. I recently worked with him in Pahad and was happy to see his commitment. His absence will be deeply felt in the film fraternity,” Ghimire said.
(With inputs from RSS)
