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Gorkha Singer Prashant Tamang- Proving the Odds Wrong
Prashant Tamang is a Nepali actor and singer. He gained popularity as a singer after winning the Indian Idol Season 3 in the year 2007. He is also the first individual belonging to the Indian Police force to reach the final round of Indian Idol.
Early Life
Born in the year 1983 inDarjeeling,India, he studied in St. Robert’s School. After the untimely death of his father, he discontinued school and joined the Kolkata Police as a constable substituting his father’s position. He became part of the police orchestra. He married Geeta Thapa, a flight attendant inNagaland,India.
Winning the Indian Idol Contest
Prashant Tamang entered the contest on the encouragement of his friends, seniors, and the Special Additional Commissioner of Police Mr. Zulfiqar Hasan, who thought his voice was exceptional. He was the only contestant to be positioned in the bottom three of the gala round. After reaching the top 2 position in the contest, he won the final by a ten vote difference. Bimal Gurung, a councilor of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council was instrumental in Tamang winning the final voting.
Red FM Dispute
The controversial comment by a Radio FM jockey Jonathan Brady that security of shops had to be taken over by the shopkeepers themselves as Gorkhas had taken to singing led to massive agitations by Gorkhas. After the intervention of the Ministry of Broadcasting, the FM channel eventually apologized.
Post Indian Idol Career
After winning the Indian Idol 3 contest, Prashant launched his debut album that had both Nepali and Hindi music. He named it Dhanyavad meaning ‘Thank You’. He did a world tour performing in many concerts.
Prashant Tamang also sang in movies. His Nepali film credits include Himmat 2. In the year 2009, he started acting in Nepali films and his debut film Gorkha Paltan was released in the year 2010. It made a good business at the box office. His other films include Angalo Yo Mayo Ko and Kina Maya Ma, both released in the year 2011.