Prashant Tamang Dies At 43, 'Indian Idol' Saw Similar Cause Of Death Of Another Winner 13 Years Ago

Actor and singer, Prashant Tamang, died at the age of 43 on January 11, 2026. His untimely demise shocked his fans, who had followed his journey from his Indian Idol Season 3 win to his OTT success. A man of many talents and layers, Prashant also worked with the Kolkata Police as a constable. With his tragic demise, the Indian film industry has lost a budding star whose role in Paatal Lok Season 2 will be remembered forever. After Prashant's reason for passing was confirmed, it seemed like a déjà vu of the death of another former winner of Indian Idol.

What was Prashant Tamang's cause of death?

The media obtained preliminary medical reports from Prashant Tamang's family members and close associates to confirm his cause of death. They revealed the reason to be a sudden cardiac arrest. The actor was at his residence in New Delhi when the tragic incident occurred. Prashant Tamang was found unresponsive at his home and was rushed to a private hospital in Dwarka, where he was declared dead at around 9:00 a.m. Prashant's death was particularly shocking to his fans and colleagues as he reportedly had no major prior health complaints and had recently returned from a live performance in Arunachal Pradesh.

The fans who interacted with him during the Arunachal event stated he appeared healthy and energetic during the performance. Prashant's family, especially his wife, Geeta Thapa, is heartbroken at his untimely passing. After his death, his grieving wife shared with ANI that Prashant indeed died a "natural death." Her clarification came amid surfaced comments that he was "hale and hearty" just days prior to his fatal cardiac arrest. As Prashant's death by medical emergency was confirmed, it brought renewed attention to another Indian Idol winner's demise.

Who was the Indian Idol winner who died of a similar health issue as Prashant Tamang?

Sandeep Acharya, Prashant Tamang's predecessor as the winner of Indian Idol, also died at an early age due to natural, health-related causes. Sandeep, born on February 4, 1984, was an Indian playback singer best known for winning the second season of Indian Idol in 2006. He won the title on April 22, 2006, defeating Karunya in the final. His win earned him a Rs. 10 million (1 crore) contract with Sony BMG and a Maruti Baleno car. Following his victory, he released his first album, Mere Saath Saara Jahaan. Prior to his stint in the music reality show, Sandeep was also a runner-up in the Golden Voice of Rajasthan in 2004.

In his short but decorated career, Sandeep Acharya received several accolades, including the Best New Bollywood Talent award in New Jersey, USA, and the Sur Aradhna award for the best upcoming male singer in Delhi. Sandeep died on December 15, 2013, at an early age of 29 at Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon (now Gurugram), Haryana. He reportedly fell ill after attending a relative's wedding in his hometown, Bikaner, Rajasthan. Sandeep was first admitted to a hospital in Bikaner for three days before being transferred to Gurgaon as his condition deteriorated.

The primary cause of Sandeep Acharya's death was health complications arising from a severe bout of jaundice. Some reports specified that the illness was caused by the Hepatitis E virus. At the time of his death, the Indian Idol Season 2 winner was survived by his wife, Namrata, and a 20-day-old daughter, whom he was unable to see before he passed away. Just before his illness, he was preparing to launch his second music album, titled O Sanam Tere Bina, which was scheduled for a mid-December 2013 release.

We hope Sandeep Acharya's family is in a better place now, 13 years after his death.

Also Read: Prashant Tamang's Wife, Geeta Broke Silence On His Death, Confirming The Cause, '...He Left Us'

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