Television producer Nivedita Basu is among the many mourning the sudden demise of Prashant Tamang, the "Indian Idol 3" winner and actor known for his role in "Paatal Lok 2." Tamang passed away on January 11, 2026, at the age of 43, reportedly due to a cardiac arrest.

Basu, known for her work on popular television shows, expressed her grief and offered condolences to Tamang's family. Details of her specific statement were not immediately available, but her sentiments reflect the widespread shock and sadness felt by many in the entertainment industry and beyond.

Prashant Tamang, born on January 4, 1983, in Darjeeling, West Bengal, rose to national fame in 2007 after winning the third season of "Indian Idol". Before his rise to stardom, he served as a police constable in Kolkata Police and sang in the police orchestra. His victory on "Indian Idol" was particularly significant, as he garnered immense support from the Gorkha community and people from the Northeast region of India. He won the finale by a significant margin, receiving approximately 70 million votes, ten times more than the runner-up, Amit Paul. The win included a cash prize of 10 million Indian rupees and a Maruti Suzuki SX4 car.

Following his "Indian Idol" success, Tamang released his debut album, "Dhanyavad," featuring songs in both Nepali and Hindi. He toured extensively, performing in concerts worldwide. Tamang also contributed to Nepali cinema, acting in films such as "Gorkha Paltan" and "Pardeshi" and "Pardeshi 2". Recently, he gained further recognition for his role as Daniel Lecho in the second season of the web series "Paatal Lok". He had also completed filming for Salman Khan's "Battle of Galwan," scheduled for release on April 17, 2026.

News of Tamang's death has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues, fans, and public figures. Udit Narayan, a judge on "Indian Idol," expressed his shock and sadness, calling the loss of such a talented singer at a young age "heartbreaking". West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also offered her condolences.

According to reports, Tamang was found unresponsive at his residence in New Delhi and was taken to Mata Chanan Devi Hospital, where he was declared dead. Preliminary reports suggest a cardiac arrest as the cause of death. The Delhi Police have recorded statements from Tamang's family, who have denied any suspicion of foul play.

Prashant Tamang is survived by his wife, Geeta Thapa, whom he married in 2011, and their daughter, Ariah. His legacy extends beyond his "Indian Idol" win, encompassing his contributions to music, film, and his role as an inspiration to many. His songs "Bir Gorkhali" and "Asare Mahinama" are considered cultural anthems within the Gorkha community.