Legendary Folk Singer Sharda Sinha, ‘Bihar Kokila,’ Dies at 72
New Delhi, 5th November 2024: Renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha, affectionately known as ‘Bihar Kokila’ for her melodious voice, has passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. The esteemed singer, who was battling multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, was confirmed dead by hospital authorities after being admitted for 11 days.
Sinha, who had been undergoing treatment for the past six years, was admitted to AIIMS on October 26 due to a deterioration in her health. She had been placed on ventilator support since Monday night. Her son, Anshuman Sinha, shared the news of her condition earlier today.
With a career spanning decades, Sharda Sinha was celebrated for her contributions to Maithili and Bhojpuri folk music. She was especially renowned for her Chhath Puja songs, which resonate deeply with listeners, and she also lent her voice to various Hindi films, touching the hearts of many with her enchanting melodies.
The Padma Bhushan awardee was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2018. Recently, she faced the personal tragedy of losing her husband, Braj Kishore Sinha, who passed away from a brain hemorrhage just weeks ago. The couple celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary earlier this year.
Sinha’s legacy in folk music is profound; her name is synonymous with Chhath songs. Remarkably, while undergoing treatment, she released a new Chhath song titled “Dukhva Mitain Chhathi Maiya, Raue Aasra Hamaar” from her hospital bed on Monday, coinciding with the start of the four-day Chhath festival.
Her passing is a significant loss to the music community and her countless fans, who cherished her ability to evoke emotions through her powerful voice. As tributes pour in, Sharda Sinha will be remembered as a beacon of cultural heritage and musical excellence in India.
