New Delhi: Renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha, celebrated for her soulful Chhath songs, passed away on November 5 at the age of 72 after a long battle with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Known as the “Bihar Kokila” (the Nightingale of Bihar), Sinha was a beloved figure in Indian folk music, especially for her contributions to Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi music. She was admitted to AIIMS Hospital in New Delhi on October 27, where she was undergoing treatment. Her son, Anshuman Sinha, confirmed her passing through a heartfelt message on Instagram, sharing, “Your prayers and love will always remain with my mother. Chhathi Maiya has called her to herself. She is no longer with us in physical form.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Deeply saddened by the passing of the renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha Ji. Her Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs have been immensely popular for decades. Her melodious songs associated with the great festival of faith, Chhath, will continue to resonate forever. Her departure is an irreparable loss to the world of music. In this moment of grief, my heartfelt condolences are with her family and fans. Om Shanti.”
सुप्रसिद्ध लोक गायिका शारदा सिन्हा जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। उनके गाए मैथिली और भोजपुरी के लोकगीत पिछले कई दशकों से बेहद लोकप्रिय रहे हैं। आस्था के महापर्व छठ से जुड़े उनके सुमधुर गीतों की गूंज भी सदैव बनी रहेगी। उनका जाना संगीत जगत के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। शोक की इस… pic.twitter.com/sOaLvUOnrW
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 5, 2024
The Prime Minister had been closely monitoring Sinha’s health condition and was in touch with the doctors at AIIMS, according to an ANI report. Earlier today, her son Anshuman shared that PM Modi had personally assured their family of full support for her treatment.
#WATCH | Delhi: Noted folk singer, Sharda Sinha is admitted to AIIMS Delhi for treatment.
Her son, Anshuman Sinha says, "Sharda ji is in critical condition. Doctors are monitoring her in the ICU, they spoke with me. She is on ventilator and still critical. She has been on a… pic.twitter.com/gQkvsBZ8ic
— ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2024
Sharda Sinha’s legacy includes a timeless repertoire of Chhath songs that have become synonymous with Bihar’s iconic festival, revered for their celebration of nature and spirituality. Some of her most cherished songs include Kelwa Ke Paat Par Ugalan Suraj Mal Jhake Jhuke, Hey Chhathi Maiya, Ho Dinanath, Bahangi Lachakat Jaaye, and Suna Chhathi Maai. Her distinctive voice and deep connection to her roots brought Bihar’s folk traditions into the national spotlight.
Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2018, Sharda Sinha’s contributions to Indian music are indelible. Her passing has left an irreplaceable void in the world of folk music, where her songs remain a tribute to Bihar’s rich cultural heritage.
