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‘Pride of the hills’: Thousands in tears as Indian Idol star Prashant Tamang’s body arrives in Siliguri, funeral in Darjeeling

Gorkhaland Territorial Administration says arrangements being made 'befitting a legend who carried Darjeeling to the world stage'

3 min readKolkataUpdated: Jan 12, 2026 08:40 PM IST

Family members and relatives pay their last respects as the mortal remains of Prashant Tamang arrive in his hometown Darjeeling. (Express Photo)

A massive crowd gathered at the Bagdogra airport on Monday to bid farewell to singer-actor Prashant Tamang as his mortal remains was flown to Darjeeling.

Tamang, whose journey from the Kolkata Police to a national celebrity following his victory in Indian Idol Season 3 transformed the political consciousness of Darjeeling hills, passed away in Delhi on Sunday following a cardiac arrest. He was 43.

According to officials, his last rites would be held in Darjeeling with full honours on Tuesday. The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has made arrangements for the last rites. Calling his death an irreplaceable loss for the hills, BK Ghisingh, Assistant Director of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department of the GTA, said arrangements were being made “befitting a legend who carried Darjeeling to the world stage”. “He was not just a singer. He became the voice and identity of Darjeeling,” Ghisingh added.

Also Read | Prashant Tamang (1983-2026): Indian Idol star from Darjeeling who became ‘pride of the hills’, face of Gorkha movement

BJP MP from Darjeeling Raju Bista, GTA chief executive Anit Thapa were among the ones who reached Bagdogra airport to pay their last respect.

“It was because of Prashant Tamang that the Gorkhas came together. This loss can never be compensated. A boy from a middle-class family in the hills once won Indian Idol. Tamang was a bright star of the Gorkha community and it’s a huge loss for people of our community,” Bista said.

Darjeeling BJP MLA Neeraj Zimba said Tamang’s journey had united people across political and social divides. “His rise was a moment when the hills spoke in one voice. That legacy will endure,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Prashant Tamang Fan Club has also organised a memorial programme in the hills.

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While Tamang’s musical success captured the nation’s imagination, it was his 2007 Indian Idol victory that left an indelible imprint on the socio-political history of the hills. Branded “Pahad Ka Gaurav” (Pride of the Hills), Tamang, then 25, captured the national imagination as a participant in the Indian Idol 3. So much so, that leaders associated with Subhas Ghising’s Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), including Bimal Gurung and Roshan Giri, spearheaded campaigns in Tamang’s favour, organising rallies, raising funds and urging local residents to vote. His win in Indian Idol fuelled Gorkha pride.

“My brother resides in the hearts of the people of India. He will remain immortal through his melody and his songs,” Tamang’s sister Anupama Gurung said.

He is survived by his mother, sisters Archana and Anupama, and wife Geeta Thapa.

With inputs from PTI

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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