Singer and performer Parleen Gill, known for his journey on Indian Idol Season 3, shared a deep bond with fellow singer Prashant Tamang, who tragically passed away on January 11 due to a suspected cardiac arrest.
Final Moments Remembered
Parleen reflected on his last meeting with Prashant, which took place on November 20, 2025. He expressed disbelief that it would be their final encounter. “Prashant had just landed a role in a Salman Khan film (Battle of Galwan), and I was one of the first to know. He was supposed to stay at my place during the shoot, but since filming was near Film City, he opted for accommodation closer to the studio. After wrapping up, he called everyone, mentioning he was heading to Delhi the next day and wanted to meet that night.”
He continued, “When he called, I was at the gym. I urged him to stay an extra day for a proper celebration of his big break, but he said his daughter had been alone for too long and he needed to return. ‘Come meet me tonight,’ he insisted.”
Parleen rushed home and quickly asked his wife, Blondelle, if she wanted to meet his best friend. They reached the venue by 7 PM, but Prashant arrived an hour later. “Only a few of us made it on time. None of us knew this would be our last time together, celebrating his biggest career milestone. We were all so proud and happy for him,” he shared.
A Deep Sense of Loss
Still mourning the loss, Parleen expressed his devastation. He described their 20-year-long friendship, saying, “The best part was that we never had to pretend. From the first day at the Indian Idol auditions, we connected instantly, joking as if we were childhood friends. It felt like we had known each other forever.”
Parleen added, “As singers, when your best friend also sings, the vibe is on a completely different level. We pushed each other and connected over countless songs. Every performance felt like a fresh experience.”
Cherished Memories
Reflecting on his most memorable moment with Prashant, Parleen recounted their first duet on Indian Idol. “We were paired randomly with random songs, and it was a celebration rather than a competition. We performed ‘Chain Khuli Ki Main Khuli,’ which I choreographed. It became known as the best performance of that round.”
He continued, “Interacting with the audience was a milestone for us, making us feel like rockstars who had truly arrived.”
Parleen described their friendship as magical, saying, “Every day was a roller coaster of fun, madness, and unforgettable memories. Sony BMG (now Sony MUSIC) signed Prashant as the winner, while I, along with three other singers, joined an exclusive band.”
“We recorded albums together, traveled together, partied, and played PlayStation. Those were truly the best days of our lives,” he reminisced.
Facing the Farewell
Parleen also traveled to Prashant’s hometown of Darjeeling for his last rites, crediting his wife with giving him the strength to face the situation. “I was shattered and could hardly think. She booked my tickets, arranged the cab and hotel, and packed my bags. Before heading to the airport, I kept saying, ‘I can’t see him like this.’ She held me together, insisting, ‘He would want his brother there.’ Her strength became my own,” Parleen concluded.
For those unaware, Prashant Tamang was the winner of Indian Idol Season 3 and passed away on January 11 after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest.