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

Thapa was undergoing treatment at Novik Hospital in Tapasari, Kathmandu, on Friday morning when his health suddenly deteriorated and he died.

Rajendra Bahadur Singh, the hospital’s director, told the Post that he was taken to the hospital in an unconscious state. An electrocardiogram performed at 7:44 a.m. confirmed his death, and doctors suspected cardiac arrest.

“He was unconscious when brought to the hospital. An electrocardiogram was immediately performed and he was confirmed dead,” hospital officials told the Post.

A stalwart of the Nepali film industry, Thapa has worked extensively in Nepali, Bollywood and Bhojpuri films over the decades. He acted in over 300 Nepali films and was widely known for his iconic role as ‘Rate Kaira’ in the films. Chinoa character that established him as one of the industry’s most popular antagonists.

Before entering the film industry, Thapa started her career as a model in Mumbai in the mid-1970s, working for major fabric brands. He was also active in sports and played professional football for a club in Bombay. As a young man, he worked as a photojournalist for JS Magazine (Junior Statesman), covering the 1974 coronation of Bhutan.

In Indian cinema, Thapa became widely known for his supporting roles in films Mary Komfor which he was nominated for a Filmfare Award. He had earlier debuted in Bollywood Ek douje ke rie He then acted in several Hindi, Tamil and Bhojpuri productions.

Thapa also served as the president of the Everest Film Academy. His most recent screen appearance is in the film Ekuro.

While the rest of the family lives in Mumbai, India, Thapa lived in an apartment in Kathmandu.

A formal announcement will be made after the family arrives, hospital officials said.