Indian Idol 3 Winner and Paatal Lok Season 2 Actor Prashant Tamang Passes Away at 43

The music world fell silent on Sunday with the sudden passing of Prashant Tamang , the Indian Idol Season 3 winner whose journey from a small-town constable to a national icon inspired millions. His death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond.

Cause Of Death And Final Moments

Prashant Tamang , 43, died at his Janakpuri residence in New Delhi after suffering a stroke. Reports also stated that he was rushed to a hospital in Dwarka following a heart attack, where doctors declared him dead. According to media reports, Tamang had recently returned to Delhi after completing a programme in Arunachal Pradesh and had not shown any major health concerns earlier.

From Darjeeling To National Fame

Born on January 4, 1983, in Darjeeling, West Bengal, Tamang faced hardship early in life after losing his father. To support his family, he joined the Kolkata Police as a constable. Even then, music remained his passion, and he continued singing with the police orchestra while nurturing his dream quietly.

Indian Idol Victory That Changed Everything

Tamang’s life changed forever in 2007 when he auditioned for Indian Idol Season 3. His win became a historic moment for Gorkha and Nepali-speaking communities across Darjeeling, Terai, Dooars, Sikkim, the North East, and abroad, giving them rare national recognition and pride.

A Steady Career In Music

After winning Indian Idol, Tamang released his album Dhanyavad and performed widely across India and overseas. He built a consistent career as a live and playback singer, proving his success was rooted in talent rather than momentary fame.




Foray Into Acting And Recent Work


Tamang later expanded into acting, making his film debut with the Nepali hit Gorkha Paltan in 2010. He went on to act in several Nepali films and gained wider recognition with roles in Paatal Lok Season 2 as Daniel Lecho and Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan.

Industry Mourns A Trailblazer

Filmmaker Rajesh Ghatani confirmed the news, saying, “He was in New Delhi. I received the news of his death from his family and close relatives this morning."

Highlighting Tamang’s influence, Ghatani added, “Today, all the Nepali singers who go and sing on big stages, the courage to reach reality shows came because of Prashant."

Tributes Pour In From Artists

Singer Pramod Kharel shared his grief, writing, “When all our fellow musicians living in Darjeeling spoke about his death, only then did I come to know." He later said, “He represented not just Nepali people and the North East of India, but everyone who spoke the Nepali language, regardless of citizenship."

Actor Anup Bikram Shahi remembered him warmly, saying, “I met him for about 4/5 days on the set of ‘Battle of Galwan’. He was friendly and had a great personality. I had met him just 4/5 months ago; I still can’t believe this news."

A Legacy That Lives On

According to sources, Tamang’s mother-in-law first learned of his passing and informed his close friend and fellow Indian Idol contestant Amit Paul, who later shared the news publicly.

Prashant Tamang is survived by his wife and daughter. His journey from uniform to spotlight remains a powerful reminder that dreams, when pursued with courage, can change not just one life but many.