Famous folk singer and Padma Bhushan awardee Sharda Sinha has passed away at the age of 72 due to complications from cancer. The renowned singer has been receiving treatment at AIIMS Delhi since October 25, where she was admitted to the oncology department. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2017, a type of cancer affecting the bone marrow, Ms Sinha was placed on a ventilator and succumbed to refractory shock caused by septicemia.
Her son, Anshuman, expressed his grief in a heartfelt post, stating, “Your prayers and love will always be with mother. She has been called by Chhathi Maiya to her side.” The emotional statement highlighted the deep cultural connection Sinha shared with the Chhath festival and her audience.
The nation is mourning the loss of a legendary voice, with tributes pouring in from several dignitaries. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his condolences, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of Shrimati Sharda Sinha ji. She was a multi-talented folk singer who made Bhojpuri language popular among the masses. People will remember her songs for a long time. With her demise, the world of folk music has lost an influential voice. In this hour of grief, I express my condolences to her bereaved family and fans. Om Shanti!”
Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute, remarking, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of Sharda Sinha ji, who gave new heights to Indian music with her melodious voice for more than five decades. 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.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been closely monitoring Ms Sinha’s condition, according to AIIMS officials. Union Health Minister JP Nadda visited the hospital last night to check on her condition and assured her family that she was receiving the best possible care. Sources also confirmed that Nadda spoke with Ms Sinha’s son to provide his support.
Sharda Sinha was one of the most celebrated musicians from Bihar, and she is known for her contributions to Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Magahi music. Her Chhath festival songs have become iconic, and her presence at these events was a cherished tradition for many fans. Beyond regional music, Sinha’s voice transcended into mainstream Hindi cinema, lending her talent to hit films such as “Maine Pyar Kiya” and “Hum Aapke Hain Kaun.” Her performance of “Taar Bijli” in Anurag Kashyap’s cult classic “Gangs of Wasseypur” remains one of her most popular tracks.
Sinha was honoured with several prestigious awards during her career, including the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, and the Padma Shri in 1991. Her contributions to Indian folk music were also recognized with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
The singer’s personal life had seen recent sorrow, as she lost her husband, Braj Kishore Sinha, just weeks ago following a brain haemorrhage caused by a fall. The couple had celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary earlier this year, making the recent losses even more tragic for her family and admirers.
The passing of Sharda Sinha marks the end of an era for Indian folk music, leaving behind a legacy that has inspired generations and will continue to resonate through her timeless songs.