Nepal: The winner of the Indian television reality show 'Indian Idol' season-3, famous singer and actor Prashant Tamang is no more with us. The news of his death due to a heart attack at his residence in New Delhi, India, on Sunday morning at the age of 43 has plunged the entire Nepali-speaking world into mourning.
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| Prashant Tamang |
Prashant, who emerged from the hills of Darjeeling, was not just a singer or actor, he was a symbol of struggle, self-respect and identity. Born on January 4, 1983 in Darjeeling, West Bengal, he was the son of a family of Nepali origin.
After losing his father Madan Tamang in an accident at a young age, life soon made him responsible. Leaving his studies and carrying the burden of his family, he learned to come to terms with the harsh realities of life.
Before stepping into the world of music, Prashant worked as a constable in the Kolkata Police. When he stood on the stage of Indian Idol in a police uniform, he not only sang songs, but also sang his pain, dreams and hopes.
His simple personality, soulful voice and tireless hard work won the hearts of Nepali-speaking audiences in Darjeeling, Sikkim, Nepal and across India. Eventually, he became the winner of Indian Idol Season 3. This victory was not just a personal achievement, but the pride of the entire Gorkha community.
After Indian Idol, Prashant sang many songs in Nepali, Hindi and other languages. His songs were full of life experiences, pain and simple emotions. Along with singing, he also established himself in the Nepali film industry. His natural acting in films like Gorkha Paltan and Angalo Yo Mayako touched the hearts of the audience.
He was always active not only in art, but also in his responsibility towards society. He remained connected to people through various concerts and social campaigns. In 2021, when he lost his mother to COVID-19, he was deeply saddened, but turning pain into strength, he did not let his journey of work stop him. Unfortunately, on Sunday, he himself left this world untimely.
Prashant's contribution was historic for the Gorkha community. Through his Indian Idol win, he instilled a sense of unity, pride and identity among the Gorkhas scattered across Darjeeling, Terai, Dooars, Sikkim, North-East India, Nepal and the world. His success gave them the courage to raise their voices against cultural ridicule and strengthened their belief that ‘we too can do it’.
Emotional tributes are pouring in from artists on his demise. Singer Pramod Kharel wrote on social media, ‘What an unpleasant and unexpected news to hear. Dear Prashant Tamang is no longer with us. Oops! May he rest in peace.’
Similarly, musician Arjun Pokharel expressed his grief and wrote, ‘My heart is heavy with the news that the Indian Idol, who managed to live in the hearts of Nepalis, is no longer with us. It seems that this news is untrue. May his soul rest in peace.’
Prashant is no longer with us physically. But his voice, story of struggle and the self-respect he gave to the Gorkha community will always live on.
He is not just an artist but a name of hope, identity and inspiration, who will always be remembered even after time passes. This untimely demise of singer and actor Tamang has plunged his family, fans and the music industry into deep grief.
