Prashant Tamang, the singer and actor who rose to national fame after winning Indian Idol Season 3, has died in New Delhi. He was 42.

Tamang was declared brought dead at a hospital in Dwarka at around 9.00am on January 11, 2025, Sunday, shortly after returning to the capital following a performance in Arunachal Pradesh, according to initial reports.

Sources said he had not reported any major health concerns or complaints prior to his death.

Born on January 4, 1983, in Darjeeling, West Bengal, Tamang’s early life was marked by hardship. After losing his father at a young age, he joined the Kolkata Police as a constable to support his family, and performed with the police orchestra while continuing to pursue music.

He became a household name in 2007 after auditioning for Indian Idol Season 3, eventually winning the competition and earning widespread popularity in India and among audiences abroad.

His victory was widely celebrated, particularly within the Gorkha and Nepali-speaking communities, where he was seen as a symbol of pride and representation on a national platform.

Over the years, he released music, performed internationally, and built a career in Nepali cinema.

In addition to singing, Tamang also ventured into acting, appearing in several Nepali films and more recently in Indian digital content, including the web series Paatal Lok Season 2.

Tributes began pouring in soon after news of his death emerged.

The Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh’s Assam State General Secretary, Nanda Kirati Dewan, expressed condolences in posts on X and Facebook, calling Tamang’s death “an irreparable loss to the Gorkha community and society”.

Further tributes from fellow artists, political figures, community leaders and fans are expected through the day.

ALSO READ | Assamese Web Series Trojan Garnering Acclaim From Viewers