New Delhi: Popular folk singer Sharda Sinha, known as ‘Bihar Kokila’ for her melodious rendition of Chhath and folk songs such as “Kartik Maas Ijoriya”, “Suraj Bhaile Bihaan” and Bollywood hits “Taar Bijli” and “Babul”, lost her battle with cancer at a hospital here on Tuesday. She was 72.
Sinha, who pioneered and popularised the rich folk traditions of Bihar beyond its borders, was undergoing treatment at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)-Delhi for multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.
That Sinha, whose songs were an integral part of Chhath, dedicated to the sun god, died on the first day of the four-day festival was a coincidence scripted by destiny perhaps.
In 2018, she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of cancer that affects the bone marrow. She had been on life support and succumbed to refractory shock as a result of septicaemia.
Her son, Anshuman Sinha, confirmed the news of her passing on Instagram. In an emotional post, he wrote: “Your prayers and love will always be with mother. She has been called by Chhathi Maiya to her side.”
As news of Sinha’s demise spread, tributes poured in on social media. Union minister and BJP MP from Begusarai, Giriraj Singh, expressed grief over her passing, stating: “Sharda Sinha ji, a heart-touching singer of our culture, who adorned the Chhath Mahaparva with her melodious voice, is no longer among us. Her contribution is invaluable to our folk culture; her voice will remain alive in every faith and every festival. May God give peace to her soul and give strength to her family in this difficult time. Sharda ji, your memories and songs will remain in our hearts.”
Former state minister and JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar also paid his respects, saying: “It’s painful to know about the demise of folk singer Sharda Sinha. It’s a coincidence that she passed away on the very first day of the Chhath festival.”
Affectionately known as the ‘Bihar Kokila’, Sharda Sinha was celebrated for her immense contributions to Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi music, bringing Bihar’s traditional sounds to a wider audience. Among her most iconic songs are Kelwa Ke Paat Par Uglan Suraj Mal Jhake Jhuke, Hey Chhathi Maiya. Her wedding and Chhath songs made her a beloved figure among music lovers.
Recently, she lent her voice to the song Nirmohia for the OTT series Maharani Season 2. Sinha’s impact extended to the film industry, where her folk touch enhanced projects like Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur, notably with the song Taar Bijli. Her songs in films such as Maine Pyar Kiya and Gangs of Wasseypur earned her widespread acclaim.
Sharda Sinha was born in Bihar on 1 October 1952. Her husband, politician Braj Kishore Sinha, passed away in September this year from a brain haemorrhage. Her legacy lives on through her music, which remains a treasured part of Bihar’s cultural heritage.
