Singer-turned-actor Prashant Tamang, who shot to fame as the winner of Indian Idol Season 3, passed away on Sunday at the age of 43 at his residence in New Delhi. Tamang was rushed to Dwarka Hospital in New Delhi, where he was declared dead. Some reports have claimed that Prashant Tamang died due to a cardiac arrest, but official confirmation is still awaited. His family has also yet to release an official statement. He is survived by his wife, Martha Tamang, and their daughter, Ariah Tamang.
Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, also expressed her condolences. “Saddened by the sudden and untimely demise today of Prashant Tamang, the popular singer of 'Indian Idol' fame and an artist of national renown. His roots in our Darjeeling hills and one-time association with Kolkata Police made him particularly dear to us in Bengal. I convey my condolences to his family, friends, and countless followers,” she wrote on X.
From Constable to Idol: The Journey of Prashant Tamang
Originally from Darjeeling and born on January 4, 1983, Tamang experienced the loss of his father at a young age and subsequently became a constable with the Kolkata Police. He honed his music skills as a constable in Kolkata Police, where he performed as part of the orchestra. He rose to fame in 2007 after winning the singing reality show 'Indian Idol'.
Tamang, who made his acting debut with the 2010 Nepali hit Gorkha Paltan, went on to feature in several films including Angalo Yo Maya Ko (2011), Kina Maya Ma (2011), Nishani (2014), Pardesi (2015), and Ye Maya Hanaima (2016). He also made a guest appearance on the TV show Amber Dhara and was most recently seen in a prominent role in Paatal Lok Season 2. Additionally, he is set to appear in Salman Khan’s upcoming war drama Battle of Galwan. Tamang was also known for his work as a playback singer, lending his voice to various projects.
Raju Bista, Member of Parliament from Darjeeling and National Spokesperson of BJP, expressed his condolences, stating, "The untimely demise of Prashant Tamang, the popular singer and actor, has left the Gorkha community, along with the entire world of arts and music, stunned and heartbroken."
He further said that Prashant’s victory on Indian Idol in 2007 not only made the Gorkhas of India proud but also garnered widespread recognition for the community. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in bringing Nepali music and songs into the spotlight.
