The constable-turned-star, who captured millions of hearts in 2007, died in his sleep at his New Delhi residence; wife Martha Aley dismisses foul play as a “natural death.”
January 12, 2026: The voice that once united the hills of Darjeeling and the streets of Kolkata has fallen silent. Prashant Tamang, the winner of Indian Idol Season 3, passed away in the early hours of Sunday, January 11, 2026, at his residence in Janakpuri, New Delhi. He was 43.
The news was confirmed by his wife, Martha Aley (Geeta Thapa), who stated that the singer-actor passed away peacefully in his sleep. Speaking to the media on Monday morning, a grief-stricken Martha clarified that there were no suspicious circumstances. “It was a natural death. He was in his sleep when he left us. I was right beside him,” she said, thanking fans for the global outpouring of flowers and tributes.
Official Investigation: A Sudden Loss
Despite the family’s statement, standard procedures were followed by the authorities given the sudden nature of the death.
- Medical Timeline: Tamang was brought to Mata Chanan Devi Hospital at approximately 3:10 PM on Sunday, where he was declared “brought dead.”
- Police Action: ADCP South-West Delhi, Abhimanyu Poswal, confirmed that the body was shifted to DDU Hospital for a post-mortem to rule out any medical anomalies.
- Recent Activity: Friends noted that Tamang had recently returned from a successful live performance in Arunachal Pradesh and appeared to be in good health.
From Police Constable to National Sensation
Prashant’s journey remains one of the most inspiring “common man” stories in Indian television history.
- The Beginnings: Following his father’s accidental death, Prashant joined the Kolkata Police as a constable to support his family, eventually singing for the police orchestra.
- The Phenomenon: In 2007, his Indian Idol journey triggered a massive voting movement in the Northeast and Nepal, leading to over 70 million votes and his ultimate victory.
- The Transition: Beyond music, he became a superstar in Nepali cinema with hits like Gorkha Paltan and Nishani.
- The Bollywood Leap: In 2025, he garnered critical acclaim for playing the assassin Daniel Lecho in Paatal Lok Season 2.
The Final Curtain: ‘Battle of Galwan’
Tamang’s fans will have one final chance to see him on the big screen. He had recently completed filming for Apoorva Lakhia’s military drama, Battle of Galwan, where he shares the screen with Salman Khan. The film, produced by Salman Khan Films, is slated for a theatrical release on April 17, 2026.
Tributes Pour In
- Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal CM): “Saddened by the untimely demise of Prashant Tamang. His roots in our Darjeeling hills and his association with Kolkata Police made him particularly dear to us.”
- Amit Paul (Indian Idol Runner-up): “How is this even fair? Keep smiling Dosti… The world won’t be the same without you.”
Prashant is survived by his wife, Martha, and their four-year-old daughter, Ariah.