Prashant Tamang, Indian Idol Winner and Actor, Passes Away at 43
Tragic Loss of a Talented Artist
New Delhi, Jan 11: Prashant Tamang, who gained fame as the winner of Indian Idol 3 and portrayed a cold-blooded assassin in the series Paatal Lok 2, passed away on Sunday due to a cardiac arrest. He was just 43 years old.
According to his close friend, singer Mahesh Sewa, Tamang died at his home in Janak Puri, New Delhi.
"He suffered a cardiac arrest around 9 am this morning at his residence. His family rushed him to the hospital, but he was declared dead upon arrival. I am in shock over his sudden passing. Just a few days ago, he seemed perfectly healthy," Sewa explained.
"His body remains at the hospital, and the family has yet to decide whether to hold the funeral in Delhi or Darjeeling," he added.
The news of Tamang's death was initially shared on social media by another friend, Rajesh Ghatani.
“It breaks my heart to share this sad news! May you find peace in Baikuntha! Heartfelt tributes to my brother Prashant,” Ghatani posted.
West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences on a microblogging platform.
“I am deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Prashant Tamang, a beloved singer known for his Indian Idol fame and a nationally recognized artist. His roots in the Darjeeling hills and his past association with Kolkata Police made him especially cherished in Bengal. I extend my sympathies to his family, friends, and numerous fans,” she stated.
Amit Paul, the runner-up of Indian Idol 3, also shared his grief on Instagram, expressing disbelief at the news of Tamang's death.
Posting a picture of the late artist, he wrote, "This feels so unfair!!! Keep smiling, Dosti!!! The world will never be the same without you!!! I still can’t believe I’m writing this. My brother, my friend, my dosti, @prashanttamangofficial has departed for the heavenly realm... I can’t process this loss."
Born on January 4, 1983, in Darjeeling to a Gorkha family, Tamang's father served in the West Bengal Police and passed away while on duty, prompting Tamang to leave school to take over his father's position.
Encouraged by friends, he auditioned for the reality singing competition Indian Idol in 2007, ultimately winning the title.
His victory sparked massive celebrations throughout the Darjeeling hills, Sikkim, and parts of Nepal.
In 2010, he released his debut album Dhanyavaad and frequently performed at concerts both in India and abroad.
Tamang made his acting debut with the Nepali film Gorkha Paltan in the same year and went on to star in films like Angalo Yo Maya Ko, Kina Maya Ma, Nishani, Pardesi, and Kina Mayama.
Most recently, he appeared in the second season of the acclaimed series Paatal Lok, where he played the role of Daniel Lecho, an assassin.
Fans will also see him posthumously in the upcoming Salman Khan film Battle of Galwan, scheduled for release on April 17.
Tamang is survived by his wife, Geeta Thapa, and their four-year-old daughter, Ariah Tamang. He often shared moments with his family on social media.