New Delhi

Singer Prashant Tamang, who rose to national prominence after winning Indian Idol Season 3, passed away on Sunday. His sudden demise has triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes from political leaders, fellow artists and fans across the country.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences in a post on X, describing Tamang as an artist of national renown. “Saddened by the sudden and untimely demise today of Prashant Tamang, the popular singer of Indian Idol fame. His roots in our Darjeeling hills and one-time association with Kolkata Police made him particularly dear to us in Bengal,” she wrote, conveying condolences to his family, friends and followers.

Saddened by the sudden and untimely demise today of Prashant Tamang, the popular singer of ' Indian Idol' fame and an artist of national renown.

His roots in our Darjeeling hills and one-time association with Kolkata Police made him particularly dear to us in Bengal.

I convey…

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 11, 2026

Tributes also poured in from the music fraternity. Singer Amit Paul, a fellow contestant on Indian Idol, shared an emotional message on Instagram, calling Tamang his “brother” and saying he was struggling to come to terms with the loss.

BJP MP from Darjeeling, Raju Bista, paid homage to the late singer, calling his death a major loss to the Hindi and Nepali music worlds. Remembering his journey, Bista said Tamang played a crucial role in introducing Nepali music to a wider global audience after winning Indian Idol 2007. He also noted Tamang’s transition into acting, including his role in the Nepali blockbuster Gorkha Paltan and his work in several films thereafter.

Nagaland Minister Temjen Imna Along also mourned the singer’s death, remembering him as a “dear friend”.

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Hailing from Darjeeling in West Bengal, Prashant Tamang became a household name after his Indian Idol victory. Apart from a successful singing career, he made a mark in acting and appeared in projects including Paatal Lok Season 2. He was also expected to feature in Salman Khan’s upcoming film Battle of Galwan.