Indian Idol winner Prashant Tamang dies aged 42

REZA PRADHAN

DARJEELING, : Singer and actor Prashant Tamang, who rose to national fame after winning the third season of Indian Idol in 2007, has died at the age of 42.

Tamang passed away early on Saturday morning in Delhi, where he was living. Family members said he suffered a suspected cardiac arrest and was declared dead on arrival at hospital.

News of his death triggered an outpouring of tributes on social media from political leaders, musicians and fans across the country, particularly in the Darjeeling hills, where he was born and raised.

Speaking while travelling to Delhi, his elder sister Anupama Tamang said he had appeared healthy the previous day. According to her, he began coughing early in the morning and complained of feeling cold.

“He was kept near a heater and given a hot water bag. My sister-in-law suggested taking him to hospital, but he wanted to rest for some time,” she said, adding that the family received news of his death around 08:15 am.

Sources said Tamang was declared “brought dead” at the hospital.

Preparations are under way to bring his body to Darjeeling’s Toongsong area, his ancestral home. Tamang said members of the production team of the web series Paatal Lok, in which he had recently appeared, were assisting the family with arrangements.

Tamang had been touring extensively in recent weeks. He returned to Delhi on January 8 after performing in Arunachal Pradesh, following an earlier overseas performance in Dubai in late December.

“He had been calling me to Delhi to meet him before his Europe tour but with my daughter giving her ISC examination this time I had told him that I will meet him after her exams were over,” she added.

Born on January 4, 1983, Prashant Tamang lost his father at a young age. After completing his education in Darjeeling, he joined Kolkata Police as a constable. His involvement in the police orchestra helped lay the foundation for his singing career.

After winning Indian Idol, he went on to release music and act in several Nepali-language films, later expanding into web series and television projects.

He is survived by his wife and a three-year-old daughter.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences. In her X handle, the Bengal CM wrote, “Saddened by the sudden and untimely demise of Prashant Tamang. His roots in our Darjeeling hills and one-time association with Kolkata Police made him particularly dear to us in Bengal.”

Political leaders from the Hills, including Ajoy Edwards, Anit Thapa, Bimal Gurung and Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, also paid tribute. Musician Bipul Chettri and Darjeeling-based band Mantra remembered him as a source of pride for the region.