Priyanka Chopra Pays Emotional Tribute to Late ‘Mary Kom’ Co-Star Sunil Thapa

New Delhi, February 9, 2026: The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of veteran actor Sunil Thapa, a stalwart of Nepali and Indian cinema, who passed away recently. Among the many voices sharing their grief, global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas took to social media to pen a deeply personal and heart-wrenching tribute to the man she affectionately called her “Coach Sir.”

Thapa, widely recognized for his formidable presence and versatile acting, played a pivotal role in the 2014 biopic Mary Kom. He portrayed the stern yet dedicated coach M. Narjit Singh, the mentor who shaped the career of the legendary boxer.

A Bond Beyond the Screen

Priyanka Chopra, who underwent an intense physical transformation for the titular role, credited Thapa as a cornerstone of her experience during the film’s production. In her heartfelt note, she reflected on the wisdom and discipline he brought to the set.

“Rest in peace, Coach Sir. You weren’t just a co-actor; you were the heartbeat of that film for me,” Chopra shared. “Thank you for the lessons, the laughter, and for pushing me to find the strength I didn’t know I had. You will be missed deeply.”

The chemistry between Chopra and Thapa was one of the most praised aspects of the film, capturing the complex, often grueling dynamic between an athlete and their mentor.

Remembering the Legacy of Sunil Thapa

Sunil Thapa’s career spanned several decades, making him a household name in Nepal and a respected character actor in Bollywood.

• The “Raate Kaila” Fame: Before his stint in Hindi cinema, he achieved legendary status in the Nepali film industry, particularly for his iconic villainous role as ‘Raate Kaila’ in the movie Chino.
• Bollywood Footprint: Apart from Mary Kom, he appeared in notable films like Ek Duuje Ke Liye and several regional projects, earning a reputation for his discipline and craft.
• A Mentor to Many: Colleagues describe Thapa as a “true professional” who remained humble despite his massive success in Southeast Asian cinema.

Tributes Pour In

The news of his demise has sent shockwaves through the acting community. Fans and fellow actors have flooded social media with messages of condolence, highlighting Thapa’s contribution to bridging the gap between the Nepali and Indian film industries.

Director Omung Kumar, who helmed Mary Kom, also expressed his sadness, noting that Thapa’s “authenticity brought a soul to the film that couldn’t have been replaced.”

Sunil Thapa’s passing marks the end of an era for Himalayan cinema, but his legacy survives through the powerful performances he left behind and the lives he touched—including that of a “student” who went on to conquer the world.