Prashant Tamang, the winner of Indian Idol Season 3 and an actor known for his role in the web series Pataal Lok, has passed away at the age of 43. Tamang died on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at his residence in Delhi. Initial reports suggest the cause of death was a cardiac arrest.
Born on January 4, 1983, in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India, to Rupa Tamang and Madan Tamang, Prashant Tamang's journey to fame was an inspiring one. He attended St. Robert School in Darjeeling. Following the death of his father in an accident, Tamang left school and took his father's place as a constable in the Kolkata Police. While serving in the police force, he also sang for the Kolkata Police orchestra, showcasing his musical talent.
Tamang rose to national prominence in 2007 when he won the third season of Indian Idol. His victory was met with widespread celebration, particularly among Nepali-speaking communities in India and Nepal. He received immense support during the competition, with various organizations and individuals campaigning and collecting donations to support his votes. His triumph was seen as a source of pride for the hills, earning him the title "Pahad Ko Gaurav," meaning "Pride of the Hills".
Beyond his singing career, Tamang also ventured into acting, appearing in several Nepali films, including Gorkha Paltan, Pardeshi, and Pardeshi 2. He made his Hindi entertainment debut with a role as Daniel Acho in the second season of the Amazon Prime Video series Pataal Lok. His last Bollywood project was Apoorva Lakhia's Battle of Galwan.
News of Prashant Tamang's death has been met with an outpouring of grief and condolences on social media. Filmmaker Rajesh Ghatani confirmed the news, stating that he received the information from Tamang's family and close relatives. Fellow singer Pramod Kharel also expressed his condolences on Facebook. Actor Anup Bikram Shahi, who worked with Tamang in Battle of Galwan, remembered him as a skilled singer and capable actor.
Prashant Tamang is survived by his wife, Geeta Thapa, an air hostess, whom he married on February 16, 2011, and a daughter. He had been residing in Delhi in recent years. His contributions to music and film will be remembered by his fans and the communities he represented.
