Tuesday, Jan 13, 2026 23:00 [IST]
Last Update: Monday, Jan 12, 2026 17:32 [IST]
DARJEELING/SILIGURI, :
Thousands of people across North Bengal and Darjeeling hills paid their last
respects on Monday to singer Prashant Tamang, winner of Indian Idol Season 3,
as his body was brought home from New Delhi.
Tamang,
who rose to national fame after winning the reality television show in 2007,
died on Sunday morning in Delhi after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 42.
His
mortal remains arrived at Bagdogra airport at around 9:25 am on an IndiGo
flight from New Delhi and were later handed over to his family. A large number
of fans, political leaders and members of the music and film fraternity
gathered at the airport to pay tribute.
Among
those present were Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, Gorkhaland Territorial
Administration (GTA) chief executive Anit Thapa and Indian Gorkha Janshakti
Front leader Ajoy Edwards. Former Indian Idol contestants, including Meiyang
Chang, were also seen accompanying the funeral procession.
The
body was then taken by road to Darjeeling via National Highway 110, reaching
the hill town at around 5 pm. Along the route, people gathered at several
locations including Salbari, Sukna, Tindharia, Ghayabari, Mahanadi and Kurseong
to offer floral tributes and traditional khadas.
In
Darjeeling, the body was briefly kept at Chowrasta, the town’s main square,
where a condolence programme was organised. Butter lamps were lit and prayers
were offered, while many in the crowd sang songs in his memory.
The
GTA assisted in making arrangements for the transportation of the body from
Delhi and the condolence events. Tamang will be cremated at Alubari Monastery
on Tuesday around 11 am, it was informed.
Political
leaders from across the spectrum paid tribute. Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief
Bimal Gurung, who visited Chowrasta, said Tamang’s victory in 2007 had been a
moment of pride for the entire Gorkha community.
Bista
described him as “an iconic Gorkha youth” whose journey from the Darjeeling
hills to the national stage inspired millions. Bista said, “An iconic Gorkha
youth, Prashant mesmerized the world by his voice, humility, and simplicity.
Rising from our Darjeeling hills, he carried the hopes and aspirations of an
entire community onto the global stage, making every Gorkha proud. It is
heart-breaking to lose someone so young. As we mourn his passing, we also
celebrate a life that inspired millions and a legacy that will continue to live
on through his music and the memories he created.”
Thapa
said Tamang had become a unifying symbol for Gorkhas across the world.
“Prashant Tamang was the voice that began to blow the second trumpet of Gorkha
identity and the Gorkha dream. Prashant was a musical coordinator who unified
not only Indian Gorkhas but also the Gorkhas of the world. Prashant Tamang was
a person who was in the hearts of every person in the hills. Today, the tribute
to him was reflected in the people standing on the road and their faces,” the
GTA chief said.
Born
on January 4, 1983 in Darjeeling, Prashant Tamang went on to release several
music albums after his Indian Idol win and also worked as an actor. His screen
appearances included the Nepali film ‘Gorkha Paltan’, Indian web series ‘Paatal
Lok’ (Season 2), and the Salman Khan-starrer ‘Battle of Galwan’.
