The hills of Darjeeling and the nation are mourning the sudden loss of singer and cultural icon Prashant Tamang, who passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The 43-year-old, who rose to fame by winning the third season of Indian Idol in 2007, died due to a suspected cardiac arrest in Delhi.
From Police Constable to National Star
Before his audition for Indian Idol in 2007, Prashant Tamang led a life far from the limelight. Hailing from Tungsung in Darjeeling, he faced personal tragedy early, losing his father to an accident. He left school to take up his father's position in the Kolkata Police, where he served as a constable. It was his participation in the police band that honed his singing talent and set the stage for an extraordinary journey.
His victory on the national television stage was unprecedented. At just 25, Tamang, a Gorkha boy from Darjeeling, captured the country's imagination. His success transcended mere musical achievement, becoming a moment of immense regional pride. Leaders from Subhas Ghising's Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), including Bimal Gurung and Roshan Giri, actively campaigned for him, organizing rallies and fundraising to secure votes.
A Symbol of Gorkha Identity and Aspiration
Branded "Pahad Ka Gaurav" (Pride of the Hills), Tamang's win was deeply intertwined with the socio-political aspirations of the Gorkha community. His victory album, Dhanyavaad (2007), and his rendition of the anthem "Bir Gorkhali" resonated powerfully, fueling a sense of identity and pride.
According to Roshan Giri, now the general secretary of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), Tamang's presence on a national platform kindled collective aspirations. "For the first time, one of our youths was on a national stage. Our identity was established through him," Giri told The Indian Express. Tamang's fan clubs reportedly later transformed into offices of the GJM, highlighting his symbolic role in the movement for a separate Gorkhaland state.
His influence persisted through subsequent agitations. During the 104-day strike in 2017, Tamang remained a vocal inspiration, questioning the deployment of forces in Darjeeling and expressing his desire to pen a song in support of Gorkhaland.
A Lasting Legacy in Music and Film
Tamang's Indian Idol triumph, which came with a Rs 1-crore jackpot, launched a full-fledged career. He performed in concerts worldwide and successfully transitioned into Nepali cinema. He made his acting debut in Gorkha Paltan (2010) and starred in several films, including Nishani (2014), which was based on the bravery of Gorkhas in the Kargil War.
More recently, he garnered attention for his role in the popular web series Pataal Lok Season 2. He is survived by his mother, sisters Archana and Anupama, and his wife, Geeta Thapa.
The news of his passing prompted an outpouring of grief. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences on social media, calling his demise "sudden and untimely" and acknowledging him as "an artist of national renown." His sister Archana remembered how he "captured the imagination of all" and how his life was irrevocably changed by his iconic win, a win that forever changed the narrative from the hills of Darjeeling.
