It has been nearly 10 days since 2026 began, and the world has already been witnessing rising tensions, from geopolitical unrest to global uncertainty. As if this weren't enough, another shocking piece of news has gripped the entertainment industry.
Prashant Tamang, Indian Idol Season 3 winner, dies at 43
Actor-singer Prashant Tamang has reportedly passed away in New Delhi. According to reports, Tamang suffered a cardiac arrest and was found dead at his residence, with preliminary reports suggesting a sudden heart attack, though official medical confirmation is awaited. He was 43.
His fellow contestant from the show, Amit Paul, shared a heartfelt tribute. Taking to the Stories section of his Instagram, he posted a throwback picture of Prashant and wrote, "How's it even fair!!! Keep smiling dosti!!! The world won't be the same without you!!! I still cannot process this... My brother, my friend, my dosti, @prashanttamangofficial has left for the heavenly abode... I can't believe I'm having to write this."
Prashant Tamang is survived by his wife, Geeta Thapa, whom he married in 2011 in Nagaland, and their daughter, Ariah. Despite fame and professional success, Tamang remained deeply rooted in family life, often prioritising his loved ones and crediting them as his strongest source of resilience and purpose.
Prashant was also the winner of the singing reality show Indian Idol Season 3 in 2007. He won the season with a record number of votes, defeating Amit Paul in the grand finale. Following his victory, Tamang released his debut album, Dhanyavaad, in 2007, which featured songs in Hindi and Nepali. The album performed well, especially in eastern India and Nepal. He later sang playback songs for Hindi and regional films, though his mainstream Bollywood presence remained limited. Over time, he shifted his focus more toward Nepali-language music, where he built a steady career and a loyal audience.
He also acted in a few Nepali films, including Gorkha Paltan, which referenced the historical Gorkha military legacy. While he may not have been a constant presence in national pop culture, he remains an important figure as one of the earliest reality-show winners whose success was driven by strong regional identity and grassroots support. His win is often cited as a turning point in how audience voting power shaped Indian television talent shows.
Prashant Tamang was recently seen in the second season of the superhit streaming show Paatal Lok.
Before entering the music industry, Tamang served in the Kolkata Police, a background that played a visible role in shaping his public image during the competition.
