The Indian music and entertainment industry has been in shock since the sudden death of Prashant Tamang, the winner of Indian Idol Season 3. The 43-year-old singer and actor reportedly died on the morning of the 11th of January 2026, after a massive cardiac arrest at home in Janakpuri, Delhi.
The Final Moments
Tamang was rushed to a hospital in Dwarka, New Delhi following his collapse at home, according to family sources and close friends. Medical staff pronounced him dead on arrival. The news was all the more extraordinary given that the artist had arrived back home recently from a live performance in Arunachal Pradesh, and he had been experiencing no outward indications of serious illness.
A Journey from Constable to Icon
Prashant Tamang, born on January 4, 1983, in Darjeeling, was an embodiment of the “Indian Dream."
- Early Struggles: After his father unexpectedly died, Prashant began working for Kolkata Police as a constable on compassionate grounds to aid his family.
- Musical Breakthrough: In 2007, while playing for the police orchestra, his colleagues encouraged him to audition for Indian Idol.
- A National Phenomenon: His success in the third season was a historic moment for the Gorkha community and the Northeast as well and helped launch a large-scale, unifying voting wave of millions across borders.
Versatility in Acting and Singing
He is versatile. Tamang made the leap far beyond singing, and beyond hit albums such as Dhanyavad, into acting. He also won acclaim with the role in Paatal Lok (Season 2), a web series, and was scheduled to make the next release with Salman Khan, in an upcoming Khan-starrer film, Battle of Galwan.
Tributes Pour In
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lamented on X (formerly Twitter), saying he was a Hills up-and-comer:
“He loved us in our Darjeeling Hills, and was once a Kolkata Police officer, so what an impact his sudden death has on us here in Bengal.”
His fellow contestants and artists, among them his close friend Amit Paul, posted emotional messages on social media to convey the pain of losing the “Pride of the Hills.”
Prashant Tamang is survived by his wife, Geeta Thapa, and their young child. His final rites are being discussed—it is an option for Delhi or his native Darjeeling.
