Indian Idol Season 3 Winner Prashant Tamang Dies at 43

Renowned singer and actor Prashant Tamang, who rose to national prominence after winning Indian Idol Season 3 in 2007, passed away on Sunday in New Delhi. He was 43.

According to reports, Tamang was found unresponsive at his residence in the national capital. Preliminary information suggests that he may have suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, though officials have said a final medical confirmation is still awaited.

Family sources told the media that the singer had recently returned to Delhi after a live performance in Arunachal Pradesh and had not reported any serious health concerns.

Tamang’s journey from serving as a constable in the Kolkata Police to becoming a nationally recognised artist remains one of the most remarkable stories in Indian popular culture. With no industry connections, he entered Indian Idol in 2007 and steadily won over audiences with his sincerity, simplicity and distinctive voice.

His participation in the reality show quickly grew beyond a television contest, drawing massive public support from Darjeeling, the Gorkha community and large parts of Northeast India. His eventual victory was widely viewed as a rare moment when regional aspiration and grassroots support reshaped the outcome of a mainstream platform.

In addition to music, Tamang also carved a space for himself in acting. He recently received international attention for his performance as Daniel Lecho in Season 2 of the acclaimed web series Paatal Lok. Several of his songs, including Bir Gorkhali and Asare Mahinama, continue to be regarded as important cultural expressions reflecting identity and belonging.

Those close to him remember Tamang as a private and grounded individual who remained deeply attached to his family despite public recognition. He is survived by his wife, Geeta Thapa, whom he married in 2011 in Nagaland, and their daughter, Ariah. In interviews over the years, Tamang often spoke of his family as his greatest support system.

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