Actor-singer Prashant Tamang, the beloved winner of Indian Idol Season 3 in 2007, tragically passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the age of 43 in New Delhi. Multiple credible news sources, including The Times of India, The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, and Gulf News, have confirmed his demise, attributing it to a suspected cardiac arrest. Tamang was reportedly found unresponsive at his residence earlier in the day after returning from a program in Arunachal Pradesh. He was rushed to a hospital in Dwarka, New Delhi, where he was declared dead upon arrival. Born on January 4, 1983, in Darjeeling, West Bengal, Prashant Tamang rose to national fame from a humble background, having served as a constable in the Kolkata Police before his groundbreaking victory on Indian Idol. His success on the singing reality show captivated millions and held particular significance for the Gorkha and Nepali-speaking communities worldwide, who rallied immensely in support of him during the competition. Beyond his singing career, Tamang also ventured into acting, appearing in several Nepali films such as 'Gorkha Paltan' and more recently gaining recognition for his role in the Indian web series 'Paatal Lok Season 2'. He was also slated to appear in Salman Khan's film 'Battle of Galwan'. His fellow Indian Idol contestant, Amit Paul, and filmmaker Rajesh Ghatani, were among the first to confirm the heartbreaking news, with tributes pouring in from across the entertainment fraternity and political figures, including West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Tamang is survived by his wife and daughter. His sudden passing has left a profound void in the music and film industries.