Indian Idol Star Prashant Tamang Dies at 43

New Delhi, january 12, 2026: The entertainment world is in mourning following the sudden demise of Prashant Tamang, the beloved singer who first captured the nation’s heart as the winner of Indian Idol Season 3. Tamang, 43, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at his residence in Janak Puri, New Delhi.

While he was a household name for his soulful voice, his recent gritty performance as the assassin Daniel Lecho in the second season of the Amazon Prime series Paatal Lok had just introduced him to a new generation of fans.

The Tragic Incident

According to family friends and colleagues, Tamang suffered a sudden cardiac arrest around 9:00 AM. He had recently returned from a live performance in Arunachal Pradesh and was reportedly “hale and hearty” just days before. He was rushed to a private hospital in Dwarka but was tragically declared dead on arrival.

The news was first confirmed by his close friend and fellow musician, Rajesh Ghatani, and later corroborated by several industry peers, including Indian Idol runner-up Amit Paul.

Expert Warning: The “Silent” Signs

Medical experts, including leading cardiologists and neurologists, have pointed out that Tamang’s death is part of a worrying trend of sudden cardiac events in seemingly healthy individuals in their 40s.

Because many cardiac arrests at night or in the early morning are linked to sleep apnea or irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), doctors are urging the public not to ignore these often-overlooked warning signs:

• Sleep Apnea & Snoring: Interrupted breathing during sleep can starve the heart of oxygen, triggering a fatal rhythm.
• Unusual Fatigue: Feeling exhausted despite getting enough sleep can be a sign of a struggling heart.
• Early Morning Discomfort: Pressure or a “heavy” feeling in the chest in the early hours is often dismissed as acid reflux but can be a precursor to a cardiac event.
• Electrolyte Imbalances: Low levels of potassium or magnesium, often caused by dehydration or high stress, can flip the heart’s “electrical switch.”

A Legacy of Grit and Grace

Tamang’s journey was a true “rags-to-riches” story. Born in Darjeeling, he initially served as a constable in the Kolkata Police—taking his father’s post after his untimely death—before his colleagues pushed him to audition for Indian Idol in 2007.

His victory was a historic moment for the Gorkha community and the Northeast. Beyond music, he became a superstar in Nepali cinema with hits like Gorkha Paltan. Fans will see him one last time on the big screen in the upcoming Salman Khan-starrer Battle of Galwan, scheduled for release in April 2026.