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Prashant Tamang, Indian Idol season 3 winner and star of 'Paatal Lok', dies at 43
The actor, who starred in the second season of the acclaimed crime thriller show 'Paatal Lok', died of a stroke at his residence in New Delhi
- PUBLISHED: Sun 11 Jan 2026, 1:32 PM
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Prashant Tamang, actor and singer who rose to worldwide fame after winning the third season of Indian Idol, died on January 11 at his residence in New Delhi. He was 43.
The actor, who played a pivotal role in the second season of the acclaimed crime thriller show Paatal Lok, died of a stroke, according to NDTV.
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"He (Tamang) passed away this morning around 9am due to cardiac arrest at his residence in Delhi," Mahesh Sewa, a friend of Tamang, was quoted as saying by the news agency Press Trust of India. "He was taken to the hospital by his family but the doctors declared him dead on arrival. I'm shocked by his untimely demise. I spoke to him a few days ago and he was hale and hearty."
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences on X. "Saddened by the sudden and untimely demise today of Prashant Tamang, the popular singer of Indian Idol fame and an artist of national renown. His roots in our Darjeeling hills and one-time association with Kolkata Police made him particularly dear to us in Bengal. I convey my condolences to his family, friends, and countless followers."
Rajesh Ghatani, his close associate, too, condoled Tamang's death.
Following his breakout moment with Indian Idol in 2007, Tamang pursued his zest for music. His debut album, Dhanyavad, featured songs in Hindi and Nepali. Tamang was a mainstay in many Nepali films such as Gorkha Paltan (2010), Angalo Yo Maya Ko and Himmat 2 (2013), in which he sang.
As a Nepali speaker with Indian origin, Tamang was considered a trailblazer for putting his community on the mainstream. His victory in Indian Idol, and further success in show-business, made him a role model.
Tamang appeared as a guest on the TV show Amber Dhara and later as a serial killer in Paatal Lok Season 2, a role that won him wide acclaim. The Bollywood war drama Battle of Galwan, headline by Salman Khan and Chitrangada Singh, is his last movie.
Tamang is survived by his wife and a four-year-old daughter.
