Prashant Tamang's Emotional Rollercoaster on Indian Idol
An old video clip from Prashant Tamang's Indian Idol audition has recently gone viral on social media. The clip captures the raw emotions of the late singer and actor during his breakthrough moment on the popular reality show.
From Police Constable to Singing Sensation
Prashant Tamang worked as a constable with the Kolkata Police when he decided to audition for Indian Idol season 3. He served in the police orchestra as a singer but had no formal training in music. The decision to audition changed his life completely.
In the resurfaced clip, Prashant introduces himself as a simple soldier. He tells the judges he is 24 years old and got his police job after his father's death. When he begins singing, judges Anu Malik, Javed Akhtar, Kumar Sanu and Alisha Chinai appear visibly impressed by his natural talent.
Tears of Joy After Audition Success
The judges selected Prashant during his first audition and asked him to come to Mumbai for the next round. After hearing the good news, Prashant broke down in tears. He later recalled that emotional moment.
"It was an emotional moment, I was crying," Prashant said in the clip. "I had just heard about Mumbai and it is a dream to go there of so many people."
Duet Partner's Refusal Creates Drama
Prashant faced a significant challenge during the next round of the competition. The show paired him with contestant Richa for a duet performance, but she refused to sing with him.
In the viral clip, Prashant appears visibly hurt by Richa's rejection. "Richa refused to sing with me," he says. "She thought I can't sing with her. I felt bad in that moment."
Judges Javed Akhtar and Alisha Chinai had to convince Richa to perform with Prashant. Even after agreeing, more problems emerged during practice sessions.
Practice Room Conflict
When Richa's room was occupied by another contestant, Prashant offered to practice in his room instead. Richa refused this arrangement too.
"I don't like to go someone else's room," Richa said. "I want to practice in my room."
Eventually, the two contestants found a solution and performed together on stage. Their performance earned them selection for the next round, with Prashant making it into the top 28 contestants.
From Indian Idol Winner to Acting Career
Prashant Tamang didn't just reach the Indian Idol finale - he won the entire competition in 2007. This victory launched his singing career and opened doors to acting opportunities.
He successfully transitioned to the Nepali film industry, building a second career as an actor. His most recent project was the acclaimed web series Paatal Lok 2 in 2025, starring Jaideep Ahlawat.
Sudden Passing Shocks Fans
Prashant Tamang passed away on January 11, 2026, at the age of 43. He died in Delhi due to a suspected cardiac arrest. His wife, Geeta Thapa, confirmed there was no foul play involved in his death.
"It was a natural death," Geeta Thapa told ANI. "He was in his sleep when he left us. I was right beside him at that time."
The resurfaced audition clip has touched many fans who remember Prashant's journey from a police constable to a beloved singer and actor. His emotional audition and subsequent challenges on Indian Idol show the human side of a talent who left us too soon.
