A Kolkata Police Constable to National Fame: Prashant Tamag Was a Gorkha Icon

Singer and actor Prashant Tamang died of cardiac arrest in his sleep on 11 January at the age of 43.

(Photo altered by The Quint)

Prashant Tamang, born on 4 January 1983 in Darjeeling, rose to national prominence after winning Indian Idol Season 3 in 2007. He began his career as a constable in Kolkata Police, following his father's death, and nurtured his passion for music through the police orchestra. Tamang's victory on the reality show made him a symbol of pride for the Gorkha community and led to a successful career in both music and Nepali cinema. He passed away on 11 January 2026 in New Delhi at the age of 43 due to cardiac arrest.

According to The Indian Express, Tamang's journey from Darjeeling to national fame was marked by significant community support, with local leaders and residents rallying for his Indian Idol win. His success inspired the Gorkha movement and reinforced regional identity, with his fan clubs transforming into support bases for the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha.

As reported by Hindustan Times, Tamang's wife, Martha Aley, clarified that his death was natural and occurred while he was asleep, expressing gratitude for the global outpouring of support. She stated, "It was a natural death. He was in his sleep when he left us. I was right beside him at that time."

As The Hindu stated in an article, Tamang's Indian Idol victory led to widespread celebrations across Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Nepal. He released his debut album "Dhanyavaad" in 2010 and transitioned to acting with the Nepali film "Gorkha Paltan" the same year, later appearing in several other films and the acclaimed series "Paatal Lok" Season 2.

Medical analysis indicated that Tamang's sudden cardiac arrest occurred during sleep, a phenomenon often linked to undiagnosed heart conditions or arrhythmias. Experts noted that such incidents can happen without warning, especially in individuals with underlying health risks.

His close friend Mahesh Sewa confirmed that Tamang was "hale and hearty" days before his passing, as police statements revealed. The family reported no suspicion of foul play, and Tamang was declared dead on arrival at the hospital after not waking up in the morning.

"He passed away this morning around 9:00 am due to cardiac arrest at his residence in Delhi. 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," said Mahesh Sewa.

Tributes from colleagues described Tamang as a dedicated and hardworking artist. Indian Idol judge Anu Malik recalled Tamang's commitment to his craft and his willingness to accept feedback, stating that he was a "workaholic and superb human being."

His recent performances, including one in Dubai, resurfaced online after his death, with fans expressing shock and mourning his legacy in social media comments. Tamang's humility and connection with his audience were frequently highlighted by those who attended his shows.

In interviews, Tamang shared that his friends were surprised to see him in "Paatal Lok" Season 2, as he had not disclosed his role beforehand when discussing his acting career. He maintained close ties with fellow Indian Idol contestants and expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his journey.

Note: This article is produced using AI-assisted tools and is based on publicly available information. It has been reviewed by The Quint's editorial team before publishing.