Source The Hindu
NEW DELHI – Prashant Tamang, the singer-actor who captured the nation’s heart as the winner of Indian Idol Season 3, passed away on Sunday morning, January 11, 2026. He was 43.
The talented artist reportedly suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at his residence in Janak Puri, New Delhi. According to family friends and colleagues, he was rushed to a hospital in Dwarka but was declared dead on arrival.
A Shocking Loss
The news of his untimely demise was first shared by his close friend, Rajesh Ghatani, on social media and later confirmed to the media by fellow singer Mahesh Sewa.
“He passed away this morning around 9 am. I spoke to him just a few days ago and he was hale and hearty. This is extremely shocking,” Sewa told PTI.
Tamang had recently returned from a live musical performance in Dubai and Arunachal Pradesh, and there were no reports of prior major health issues, making his sudden death a massive shock to the entertainment community.
Career Highlights
Prashant Tamang’s journey was one of inspiration, moving from a police constable to a national icon:
Indian Idol Victory (2007): A former constable with the Kolkata Police, Tamang became a household name after winning the third season of the reality show, fueled by immense support from the Gorkha community and the hills of West Bengal and Sikkim.
Acting Career: He successfully transitioned into acting, starring in several Nepali films such as Gorkha Paltan and Angalo Yo Maya Ko.
Digital Breakthrough: More recently, he earned critical acclaim for his gritty portrayal of Daniel Lecho, a cold-blooded assassin, in the second season of the hit series Paatal Lok.
Posthumous Release: He will be seen posthumously in the upcoming film Battle of Galwan, starring Salman Khan, scheduled for release in April 2026.
Tributes Pour In
Condolences have been streaming in from politicians and fellow artists alike. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her grief on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Saddened by the sudden and untimely demise today of Prashant Tamang… His roots in our Darjeeling hills and one-time association with Kolkata Police made him particularly dear to us.”
His Indian Idol co-contestant and runner-up, Amit Paul, shared a heartbreaking note on Instagram, saying, “The world won’t be the same without you… My brother, my friend, my dosti has left for the heavenly abode.”
Prashant Tamang is survived by his wife, Geeta Thapa, and their four-year-old daughter, Ariah.
