Sharda Sinha, Renowned Folk Singer And Padma Bhushan Awardee, Dies At 72 After Cancer Battle

Renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha, affectionately known as 'Bihar Kokila', passed away at 72. She was celebrated for her soulful renditions of Chhath and folk songs like "Kartik Maas Ijoriya" and Bollywood hits such as "Taar Bijli" and "Babul". Her demise occurred at a hospital due to cancer.

Sinha had been receiving treatment for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, at AIIMS-Delhi. Her passing coincided with the start of Chhath, a festival closely associated with her music. This coincidence seemed to be a twist of fate.

Her contributions to Bihar's folk traditions were immense. She was often called the 'Begum Akhtar of Mithila' for her unique blend of classical and folk music. Despite her illness, she released a song for Chhath every year, including this one.

Her latest release, "Dukhwa Mitayin Chhathi Maiya", reflected her struggles with health. An AIIMS official confirmed that Sinha passed away due to septicemia-induced refractory shock.

Sinha's battle with multiple myeloma began in 2017. She recently lost her husband and is survived by a son and daughter. A Padma Bhushan awardee, she was synonymous with Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi folk songs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow on X, highlighting her contribution to Maithili and Bhojpuri music. He noted that her melodious songs would continue to resonate during Chhath.

"Deeply saddened by the demise of renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha ji. Her Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs have been popular for many decades. The echo of her melodious songs connected with the great festival of Chhat will always be there. Her demise is an irreparable loss to the music world. My condolences with her family and fans in this hour of grief. Om Shanti," he posted.

Impact on Indian Music

Home Minister Amit Shah praised Sinha's influence on Indian music over five decades. He acknowledged how she popularised Maithili and Bhojpuri songs among the masses.

"Sharda Sinha ji, famous as Bihar Kokila, made Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs popular among the masses and kept mesmerizing the film world as a playback singer. The folk traditions of Purvanchal seem incomplete without her voice. On this great festival of Chhath, her voice will definitely make the devotees even more emotional," he posted on X.

A Voice That Resonated

Playback singer Sonu Nigam expressed his sadness over losing Sinha during Chhath Puja. Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan remarked that festivals felt incomplete without her voice.

Sinha's son Anshuman Jha shared news of her passing on YouTube: "Mother is no longer with us... Your beloved Sharda Sinha is gone... This Chhath will be empty without her."

A Storied Career

Supaul-born Sinha gained fame in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh through songs for occasions like Chhath Puja and weddings. Tracks like "Chhathi Maiya Aayi Na Duaariya" became household favourites.

Sinha pursued literature at Patna University in the 1970s before earning a doctorate in music from Lalit Narayan Mithila University. Her career soared after being noticed by film industry stalwarts.

In the 1990s hit "Maine Pyar Kiya", her song "Kahe Tose Sajna" perfectly captured the emotions of the lead characters. She avoided associating with vulgar or double entendre songs that later became popular in Bhojpuri music.