Indian Idol 3 Winner Prashant Tamang Dies at 43 After Cardiac Arrest

Prashant Tamang the widely loved singer who shot to national fame after winning “Indian Idol” Season 3 and later earned critical praise for his chilling performance in “Paatal Lok 2” died in Delhi on Sunday, January 11, 2026 , following a sudden medical emergency. He was 43 , though a few reports cited his age as 42 .

According to PTI inputs carried across multiple outlets, Tamang suffered a cardiac arrest at his residence in Janakpuri around 9 am . He was taken to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival , his close friend and singer Mahesh Sewa said. Sewa added that he had spoken to Tamang just days earlier and found him “hale and hearty”, making the news of his death all the more shocking.

However, some reports said he collapsed in the Dwarka area and was rushed to a private hospital there. NDTV, in particular, mentioned that Tamang died after suffering a stroke , while most other reports consistently cited cardiac arrest/heart attack . Until a medical bulletin is issued, the family and doctors’ final confirmation on the exact medical cause remains awaited.

The first public confirmation of his death came through social media tributes. Close friend Rajesh Ghatani posted an emotional message on Facebook, remembering him with a heartfelt farewell. Fans soon flooded platforms with condolences, and old clips of Tamang’s stage performances resurfaced online, as many called his passing “unbelievable” and “too sudden.”

Born on January 4, 1983 , in Darjeeling , Tamang belonged to a Nepali-speaking Gorkha family and had an unusual life trajectory that inspired millions. After his father, a member of the West Bengal Police , died while in service, Tamang reportedly left school and took up his father’s post to support the family. Encouraged by friends, he auditioned for Indian Idol in 2007 — and went on to win the title, triggering unprecedented celebrations across the Darjeeling hills, Sikkim and parts of Nepal , where he became a cultural icon.

Following his victory, Tamang released his debut album “Dhanyavaad” in 2010 and toured widely, performing in India and overseas. He also built a parallel career in cinema, entering acting with the Nepali hit “Gorkha Paltan” and later featuring in films such as “Angalo Yo Maya Ko,” “Kina Maya Ma,” “Nishani,” and “Pardesi.”

In recent years, Tamang gained a second wave of national attention through his performance as Daniel Lecho in “Paatal Lok 2,” where his cold-blooded assassin act drew praise from viewers and critics.

He will now be seen posthumously in the upcoming Salman Khan-backed film “Battle of Galwan,” slated for a theatrical release on April 17, 2026 , making it his final screen appearance.

Condolences poured in from political leaders and the entertainment industry. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief, noting Tamang’s Darjeeling roots and his association with Kolkata Police. Meanwhile, Amit Paul , runner-up of Indian Idol Season 3, shared an emotional tribute online, calling Tamang a brother and saying he could not process the loss.

Prashant Tamang is survived by his wife Geeta Thapa and their young daughter Ariah .