New Delhi, January 12, 2026: The Indian music and entertainment industry is mourning the sudden demise of singer and actor Prashant Tamang, winner of Indian Idol Season 3. He was 43.
According to family members and preliminary reports, Prashant was found unresponsive at his residence in Janakpuri, Delhi, on the morning of January 11, 2026. He had gone to bed normally the previous night but did not wake up. He was immediately taken to Mata Chanan Devi Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. The initial cause of death has been stated as a suspected cardiac arrest.
Delhi Police have recorded statements from family members and confirmed that there are no signs of foul play. Further details, including the post-mortem report, are awaited.
Born on January 4, 1983, in Darjeeling, West Bengal, Prashant Tamang hailed from a Nepali-speaking Gorkha family. His father, a serving officer in the West Bengal Police, died in an on-duty accident during Prashant’s childhood. To support his family his mother, grandmother, and sister Prashant discontinued his studies and joined the Kolkata Police as a constable under compassionate appointment. Despite the demands of his job, he continued to pursue music, performing with the Kolkata Police orchestra.
Prashant rose to national prominence in 2007 after winning Indian Idol Season 3 on Sony TV. His soulful voice, emotional performances, and seamless blend of Hindi and Nepali songs struck a deep chord with audiences. His journey inspired massive support from the Gorkha and Nepali communities across India and abroad, turning his victory into a moment of immense regional pride. He won the competition by a significant margin, taking home a ₹1 crore cash prize along with a car.
After his win, Prashant released his debut album “Dhanyavad,” featuring both Hindi and Nepali tracks. He toured extensively in India and overseas, performing in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Middle East, and Nepal. He later ventured into acting, making his film debut in the Nepali movie “Gorkha Paltan” (2010). Over the years, he appeared in several successful Nepali films and also worked as a playback singer.
In recent years, Prashant shifted his base to Delhi and took on roles in Hindi-language projects. He received appreciation for his performance as a sniper in the 2025 web series Paatal Lok Season 2. He had recently completed work on the upcoming film “Battle of Galwan,” co-starring Salman Khan, scheduled for release in April 2026.
Prashant Tamang is survived by his wife Geeta Thapa, a former flight attendant, whom he married in 2011, and their daughter Ariah, born in 2022.
Tributes have poured in from across the country. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep sorrow, remembering his strong association with Darjeeling and the Kolkata Police. Darjeeling MP Raju Bista described his death as an irreparable loss to the Gorkha community. Several artists, including singer Udit Narayan, former Indian Idolcontestants, and fans, remembered him as a humble, grounded, and inspiring personality.
From a young police constable to a national icon who united communities through music, Prashant Tamang’s life remains a remarkable story of perseverance, dignity, and talent. His sudden passing has left a profound void in the hearts of millions who admired his voice and his journey.
