How did Prashant Tamang unite Nepali-speaking audiences through music and cinema?

Prashant Tamang had completed the shooting of the Salman Khan–starrer Battle of Galwan and was preparing for dubbing. Based on the Galwan Valley clash that triggered geopolitical tensions between India and China, the film is scheduled for release on April 17. Prashant played an important role in the film. Tragically, before his dream of making a Bollywood debut could fully materialize, Prashant breathed his last on Sunday.

A few weeks ago, Prashant Tamang had spoken with this writer about his Bollywood debut and the second season of the web series Paatal Lok. Released on 5 Mangsir, Pahichanko Ladai became his final Nepali film. Although the movie failed to make an impact at the box office, Prashant’s performance received praise.

Prashant made his debut as a playback singer in Nepali cinema with Himmat 2 and began his acting journey with the widely discussed film Gorkha Paltan. He later appeared in films such as Angalo Yo Mayako, Kin Mayama, Dhadkan Bhitra, Nishani, Pardeshi, and Pardeshi 2.

After winning the third season of the Indian singing reality show Indian Idol in 2007, Tamang became a “poster boy” for Nepali-speaking communities. Millions of Nepalis spent heavily to vote for him on Sony TV’s show, and it was largely due to their support that he emerged victorious. His win brought him immense popularity across Nepal and among Nepali-speaking communities worldwide.

At the peak of his popularity following Indian Idol, filmmakers Narayan Rayamajhi and Rajesh Banshal introduced him as a hero in the Nepali film Gorkha Paltan. In the film, Prashant played the role of a Lahure (Gurkha soldier). The song Jaula Railaima Sarara from the film further elevated his popularity in both Nepali cinema and music.

Prashant Tamang made a significant contribution to spreading Nepali nationalism beyond the country’s geographical boundaries through art. He played an irreplaceable role in connecting Nepali-speaking people scattered across the world through music and cinema, fostering a sense of national unity.

In particular, he helped bring minority Nepali-speaking communities in northeastern India into the Indian mainstream through a global platform like Indian Idol. Although he did not openly advocate for the Gorkhaland movement, his work symbolically united Nepali speakers and strengthened cultural bonds—not only within India but also between India and Nepal.

When Prashant lifted the Indian Idol trophy wearing a traditional Dhaka topi, it became a powerful national symbol. Following that moment, he dedicated a significant part of his life to music and films. By blending themes of nationalism and love in his music, he won the hearts of audiences with hit songs such as Asare Mahinama, Veer Gorkhali, and Man Sainli. While Asare Mahinama and Man Sainli expressed romance, Veer Gorkhali evoked Nepali pride and nationalism.

Through Jaula Railaima Sarara, he artistically portrayed the Lahure tradition and the Darjeeling railway culture. Gorkha Paltan became the biggest hit of his career, earning both commercial success and critical acclaim. Director and composer Narayan Rayamajhi presented Nepal’s distinct Lahure tradition to audiences through the film.

When Prashant first visited Nepal, his close friend Rajesh Ghatani introduced him to this writer in Boudha. The level of stardom and public frenzy he witnessed among Nepalis was rare, even by celebrity standards.

Though Prashant Tamang departed at a young age, his contributions to the nation and its identity will always be remembered. In recent years, he was more focused on acting than music and spent most of his time in India working to establish himself in Bollywood.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Prashant was a devoted fan of English Premier League club Manchester United and had traveled to the UK several times to watch the team play.

The Amazon Prime Video series Paatal Lok, released in January, featured Tamang in the role of a sniper named Daniel. Portraying a villainous character, his intense and mysterious performance added depth to the story and earned praise from both viewers and critics.

In a recent conversation with this writer, Prashant described his Bollywood debut as a dream come true. Interestingly, Nepali actor Anup Bikram Shahi also made his debut in the same film. For both artists, sharing screen space in a Salman Khan film was nothing short of a dream.

For Prashant Tamang—the “poster boy” who connected Nepali-speaking communities across the globe—Battle of Galwan will stand as a tribute film. Though his life was cut short, his contribution to the nation, culture, and Nepali identity will remain unforgettable.