Darjeeling: Indian Idol 2007 edition winner Prashant Tamang (43), a singer from Darjeeling, died of cardiac arrest at his Delhi home on Sunday morning. Prashant felt unwell around 6 am on Sunday.

His family took him to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead. He had been living in Delhi with his wife and three-year-old daughter.

“He had gone to Dubai for a show and returned on Dec 27. He travelled to Arunachal on Jan 7 for another show and was back in Delhi the next day. We spoke that day; it was our last conversation,” said his sister Anupama Gurung

------------------------------

Singer-actor Prashant Tamang, who gained fame as the winner of Indian Idol 3, died on Sunday at his Delhi residence. He was 43 and reportedly died after suffering a stroke.

A native of Darjeeling, Tamang was born on January 4, 1983. He lost his father early in life and later joined the Kolkata Police as a constable. During his service, he nurtured his passion for music through the police orchestra. Tamang later appeared in Paatal Lok Season 2 as Daniel Lecho.

Musician Anu Malik, who was a judge on Indian Idol 3, tells us, “I was in a recording and this news has spaced me out completely. I had seen his struggle, seen him grow, take my criticism and praise. He would take my feedback, make changes in the mukhda, antra and ask me ‘How is it sounding?’ I had never seen such madness in anybody.”

Malik adds, “I would tell him to take it easy, but that guy was a workaholic and superb human being. We just lost (Assamese singer) Zubeen Garg, how do I process this news now? He had a full life ahead in terms of music and shows. I would tell him he should do more shows. My heart goes out to the family and I hope God gives them tremendous strength to bear the loss.”