Darjeeling mourns Prashant Tamang as wife and three-year-old daughter say their final goodbyes

Singer and actor Prashant Tamang, best known for winning Indian Idol Season 3, was laid to rest in his hometown of Darjeeling on Monday, as family members, friends and fans gathered to pay their final respects. Tamang passed away in Delhi last week at the age of 43.

His mortal remains were flown from Delhi to Siliguri earlier in the day, where a public viewing was organised for fans. From Siliguri, the funeral cortege proceeded to Darjeeling for the last rites.

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At the cremation, Tamang’s wife, Martha Aley, was seen overcome with grief as she held their three-year-old daughter, Ariah. Visuals from the ceremony showed the child folding her hands during prayers as the family bid an emotional goodbye.

Family thanks fans, addresses speculation

Speaking to ANI in the days following her husband’s death, Martha Aley thanked supporters for the outpouring of messages and condolences. She said she had received calls and flowers from people across the world, including many who did not personally know the family.

“It’s really overwhelming for me. Please remember him for the person he was — a great human being,” she said, urging fans to continue remembering him with affection.

Addressing speculation surrounding Tamang’s sudden passing, Martha said his death was natural. “He was in his sleep when he left us. I was right beside him at that time,” she told ANI. Initial reports have suggested that he may have suffered a stroke.

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Delhi Police’s ADCP South-West, Abhimanyu Poswal, said that no conclusions could be drawn until the final postmortem report is received.

Prashant Tamang rose to national prominence after winning Indian Idol in 2007, becoming a household name across India and Nepal. He later built a successful career in Nepali cinema, delivering several commercially successful films.

In 2025, Tamang appeared in a supporting role in the second season of Paatal Lok, earning appreciation for his performance. He is also set to appear in Salman Khan’s upcoming war drama Battle of Galwan, which is expected to be his final on-screen release.