Key Points:
- Prashant Tamang suffered cardiac arrest at his Janak Puri home around 9 am on January 11, 2026
- He was 43 years old and had shown no prior serious health issues
- Tamang won Indian Idol Season 3 in 2007 with a record 70 million votes while serving as Kolkata Police constable
- He recently impressed audiences as villain Daniel Lecho in Paatal Lok 2
- His last project was the Salman Khan film Battle of Galwan, currently in production
- He is survived by wife Geeta Thapa and daughter Ariah, aged four
Prashant Tamang’s sudden demise occurred at his residence in Janak Puri, New Delhi, where he was living with his family. According to a close friend and singer, Mahesh Sewa, the incident happened around 9 am when Tamang suffered a cardiac arrest. His family immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital in Dwarka, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. Filmmaker Rajesh Ghatani first announced the news on Facebook, who wrote, “My heart is heavy while writing this unfortunate news. May you live in Baikuntha. Heartfelt tribute, Prashant brother”. Fellow Nepali singer Pramod Kharel also confirmed the tragedy, stating he learned of the death after fellow musicians from Darjeeling began calling him.
From Police Uniform to National Stardom:
Tamang’s journey to fame reads like a film script. Before captivating millions on Indian Idol, he served as a constable with the Kolkata Police, performing in the police orchestra at various government events. His senior officers recognized his extraordinary talent and encouraged him to audition for Indian Idol Season 3 in 2007. Despite not being an early favorite, Tamang’s soulful voice and humble personality won over the entire nation. In the finale, he defeated Amit Paul by a staggering margin of 70 million votes, becoming the first person from Northeast India to win the prestigious singing competition. His victory prize included a Maruti Suzuki SX4 and a recording contract with Sony BMG.
Musical Legacy and Nepali Cinema:
Following his Indian Idol triumph, Tamang released his debut album Dhanyavad with Sony BMG, featuring songs in both Hindi and Nepali. He became a household name in West Bengal and gained immense popularity in Nepal, where he established himself as a leading singer and actor in the Nepali film industry. His film debut came with Gorkha Paltan (2010), which became a box office success, and he went on to star in multiple Nepali films showcasing his versatility. His simplicity and powerful voice made him a unique presence in both Indian and Nepali entertainment circles.
Acting Renaissance in Paatal Lok 2:
Tamang surprised audiences nationwide with his chilling portrayal of Daniel Lecho, the primary antagonist in the critically acclaimed web series Paatal Lok 2. His performance as the menacing bodyguard-turned-villain opposite Jaideep Ahlawat’s Hathiram Chaudhary earned him widespread appreciation and introduced him to a new generation of viewers. The role demonstrated his remarkable acting range, transitioning seamlessly from his gentle public persona to a complex, intimidating character.
Final Projects and Personal Life:
At the time of his death, Tamang was actively working on the upcoming Bollywood film Battle of Galwan, starring alongside Salman Khan. He is survived by his wife, Geeta Thapa, and their four-year-old daughter Ariah. The family is yet to decide whether his final rites will be performed in Delhi or his hometown of Darjeeling. His mother-in-law was reportedly the first to learn of his death and informed his Indian Idol friend Amit Paul, who shared the devastating news on social media. Paul wrote, “How’s it even fair!!! Keep smiling, Dosti!! The world won’t be the same without you!!! I still cannot process this… My brother, my friend, my dosti, @prashanttamangofficial has left for the heavenly abode”.
Industry Mourns an Irreplaceable Loss:
The entertainment fraternity across India and Nepal is in deep shock. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offered her condolences, recognizing his contribution to music. Fellow artists from Darjeeling, Kathmandu, and Mumbai have expressed their grief, remembering him as a symbol of hope and perseverance who inspired countless aspiring artists from Northeast India. His untimely death represents an irreparable loss to both the Indian music industry and Nepali cinema, where his voice, struggles, and versatile talent will be forever remembered.
