Prashant Tamang, the winner of Indian Idol Season 3 and a notable actor, has died at the age of 43. Tamang passed away on Sunday morning in his residence in Janakpuri, New Delhi, reportedly due to a cardiac arrest.
News of his sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and among his countless fans. Tributes and condolences have been pouring in from fellow artists, colleagues, and admirers. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences on X, acknowledging Tamang's roots in Darjeeling and his special connection to the people of Bengal. She recognized him as a popular singer and artist of national renown.
According to reports, Tamang was discovered unresponsive at his home, after which his family rushed him to Mata Chanan Devi Hospital in Delhi's Janakpuri, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival around 9 am. Police were informed of the death through a medico-legal case (MLC) from the hospital. An investigation officer collected the MLC, and the body was transferred to Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Family members have stated to the police that they do not suspect any foul play.
Close friend and singer Mahesh Sewa confirmed the news, stating that Tamang's death was due to cardiac arrest. Sewa mentioned that the family is yet to decide whether the funeral will be held in Delhi or in Darjeeling. Another friend, Rajesh Ghatani, initially shared the news on social media. Bhaven Dhanak, Tamang's co-contestant on Indian Idol, also confirmed the news, adding that the suddenness of his death has left everyone in shock.
Born on January 4, 1983, in Darjeeling, Tamang came from a Nepali-speaking Gorkha family. His father's service in the West Bengal Police led Tamang to take up his father's post after his death. He later auditioned for Indian Idol in 2007, a move that propelled him to national fame. His victory on the show was celebrated as a unifying moment for Gorkhas worldwide, breaking stereotypes and forging a new identity.
Beyond his successful music career, Tamang also ventured into acting, appearing in Nepali films like 'Gorkha Paltan', 'Pardesi', and 'Angalo Yo Maya Ko'. More recently, he garnered praise for his role as Daniel Lecho in the second season of the web series 'Paatal Lok'. He will be seen posthumously in the upcoming Salman Khan-starrer 'Battle of Galwan', scheduled for release on April 17.
Tamang is survived by his wife, Geeta Thapa, and their four-year-old daughter, Ariah Tamang. His untimely death serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of medical emergencies, prompting discussions about the importance of recognizing early warning signs. Neurologists emphasize that symptoms such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, unexplained fatigue, and palpitations should not be ignored, as they may indicate underlying heart issues.
