' Indian Idol 3’ winner and actor Prashant Tamang dies at 43; Mamata condoles death

Mortal Remains of Prashant Tamang Arriving today at His Darjeeling Home After Extensive Arrangements

PTI, NEW DELHI, JAN 11, 2026: Prashant Tamang, who rose to fame as the winner of “Indian Idol 3” and was praised for his turn as a cold-blooded assassin in “Paatal Lok 2”, died here on Sunday following a cardiac arrest. He was 43.

Tamang’s close friend, singer Mahesh Sewa, told PTI that the singer-actor died at his residence in Janak Puri.

"He (Tamang) passed away this morning around 9 am due to cardiac arrest at his residence in Delhi. He was taken to the hospital by his family but the doctors declared him dead on arrival. I'm shocked by his untimely demise. I spoke to him a few days ago and he was hale and hearty," he said.

"His body is still at the hospital. The family is yet to decide whether to perform the funeral in Delhi or Darjeeling," he added.

The news of Tamang’s death was first shared by another friend, Rajesh Ghatani, on social media. “My heart is heavy while writing this very sad news!! May you live in Baikuntha!! Heartfelt tribute Prashant brother,” Ghatani wrote on Facebook.

Tamang was born on January 4, 1983, in Darjeeling into a Nepali-speaking Gorkha family. His father served with the West Bengal Police and died while in service, after which Tamang left school to take up his father’s post. 

Encouraged by friends, he auditioned for the reality singing show “Indian Idol” in 2007, where he went on to win the competition. Tamang’s victory triggered unprecedented celebrations across the Darjeeling hills, Sikkim and parts of Nepal.

He then came out with his first album “Dhanyavaad” in 2010 and regularly performed at concerts in India and overseas. Tamang transitioned to acting with the Nepali hit “Gorkha Paltan” the same year and went on to feature in movies such as “Angalo Yo Maya Ko”, “Kina Maya Ma”, “Nishani”, “Pardesi” and “Kina Mayama”.

He was most recently seen in the second season of the critically acclaimed “Paatal Lok”, where he essayed the role of Daniel Lecho, an assassin. The actor will be posthumously seen in the upcoming Salman Khan-starrer “Battle of Galwan”, which is set to be released in theatres on April 17.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also condoled Tamang’s demise in a post on X.“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 said.

Amit Paul, who was the runner-up of "Indian Idol" season three, shared a note on his Instagram handle, expressing shock over the news of Tamang’s death.

Tamang is survived by his wife Geeta Thapa and four-year-old daughter Ariah Tamang. The musician used to regularly post videos and photos of his daughter and wife on social media.

Mortal Remains of Prashant Tamang Arriving at His Darjeeling Home After Extensive Arrangements

KalimNews, January 12, 2026 : After extensive arrangements and coordinated efforts by officials, volunteers, and well-wishers, the mortal remains of late singer and actor Prashant Tamang is finally arriving today at his residence in Darjeeling. The coffin will arrive at Bagdogra Airport this morning and will then be escorted to Darjeeling with dignity and respect, where it will be received by officials of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

Comprehensive arrangements were made to ensure the smooth and honourable transfer of Prashant Tamang’s mortal remains from Delhi to Darjeeling. Senior officials, volunteers and members of various organisations worked in close coordination to facilitate the final journey.

Chief Executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), Anit Thapa, stated that necessary arrangements were made well in advance and that regular updates from Delhi were shared with the public. He informed that following the arrival in Darjeeling, the mortal remains would be kept at Chowrasta for public homage, allowing people to pay their last respects.

Robin Hibu, IPS, President of Helping Hands, Delhi, said that after continuous coordination with all concerned authorities in Delhi, the mortal remains of late Prashant Tamang were brought to Bagdogra Airport by an IndiGo Airlines flight. He added that the transportation of the mortal remains was sponsored by GTA Chief Executive Anit Thapa, while flight tickets for family members were also arranged. Hibu served as the nodal officer of a special unit in Delhi Police set up to assist and protect people from the Northeast living in Delhi as well as Special And Commissioner of Police.

The GTA deputed Liaison Officer Bhanu Kanta Gising, Assistant Director, Civil Aviation Department, along with an ambulance, to receive the coffin at Bagdogra Airport. From there, the mortal remains were escorted to Darjeeling, where they reached Prashant Tamang’s home amidst emotional scenes and public participation.

Robin Hibu expressed gratitude to Samden Dukpa, Executive Director, for promptly taking steps to cover expenses related to the final journey. He also acknowledged the support of Ester from the Naga community and Naresh Kumar, a Helping Hands Delhi volunteer, for their assistance with hospital formalities, ticket arrangements and ambulance coordination.

He further thanked Sanjeev Kumar, Station House Officer (SHO) of Sagarpur Police Station, Joint Commissioner of Police Deepak Purohit, IPS, New Delhi Range, along with doctors of Chandan Devi Hospital and forensic doctors of Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Hospital, for completing post-mortem procedures by making special efforts on a holiday.

Appealing to the public, Robin Hibu had requested people to accompany the ambulance in an orderly manner from Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling to honour the late singer, who brought pride to the region through his God-gifted voice and his victory on Indian Idol.

Members of Helping Hands and Robin Hibu also offered prayers at a church in Delhi for the eternal peace of Prashant Tamang.