Bihar’s folk icon, much loved Sharda Sinha, died at 72 on 5 November. She is famous for Chhath songs. Since 2018, Padma Bhushan awardee Sharda Sinha has been undergoing treatment for blood cancer and multiple myeloma. She was admitted to AIIMS Hospital in New Delhi on October 27. Her death has been confirmed by her son Anshuman Sinha, who went emotional in posting on his Instagram account.
In his obituary, Anshuman shared a heartfelt message in Hindi: “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. ” He was accompanied by a cherished photo of his mother.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished X, saying, “Extremely saddened to know that the renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha Ji has left us behind. Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs she rendered for a long time have been very liked and admired. Songs created for the great festival of faith Chhath will always go ahead, singing and playing along. She was one precious person whose music was lost at any cost. I can take pride in sharing my condolences at such times with her family and her followers, Om Shanti.
Reports said that PM Modi has been closely monitoring Sinha’s health and remains in constant touch with the medical team. As such, Anshuman even said earlier in the day that the Prime Minister assured him personally of giving him full support for treatment given to his mother’s illness. Sinha’s last recorded song, ‘Dukhwa Mitayin Chhathi Maiya,’ was released on November 4, just a day before her death, in time for the Chhath festival.
She is also popularly known as Bihar Kokila and is an acclaimed Indian folk singer in Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi. She has widely popularised the folk songs of Bihar and her music as well. Most of the tracks—such as “Kelwa Ke Paat Par Ugalan Suraj Mal Jhake Jhuke, Hey Chhathi Maiya,” “Ho Dinanath,” “Bahangi Lachakat Jaaye, Roje Roje Ugelaa, Suna Chhathi Maai, Jode Jode Supawa, and Patna Ke Ghat Par”—never fail to be in their favorite list. A Padma Bhushan in 2018 made it a permanent one.
