New Delhi: Legendary folk singer and Padma Bhushan recipient, Sharda Sinha, passed away at the age of 72 after a long battle with multiple myeloma, a kind of blood cancer. She has been battling the disease since 2017. She breathed her last on Tuesday (November 5) at 9:20 pm at Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
The iconic folk singer was known for her contributions to Bhojpuri, Maithili and Megahi folk traditions, which have preserved and popularised the cultural heritage of Bihar on a national as well as on global scale. Widely revered as the ‘Bihar Kokila’, her powerful and emotive voice along with music that deeply resonates with North Indian communities, made her a symbol of cultural pride for the people of Bihar around the world.
Sharda Sinha’s last Chhath song
Sharda Sinha’s Chhath songs are the most celebrated and significant in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Her last Chhath song titled ‘Dukhwa Mitayin Chhathi Maiya’ was released just a day before she breathed her last. The song was released on the first day of Chhath 2024, November 4, and she passed away on the second day of Chhath, November 5. The song ‘Dukhwa Mitayin Chhathi Maiya’ has been composed and sung by the late folk singer Sharda Sinha.
https://www
Her last song, ‘Dukhwa Mitayin Chhathi Maiya’ is a heartfelt track that captures the significance of the emotions of Chhath. It also captures the essence of Chhath Maiya’s blessings.
Several users expressed their grief at the passing of the popular folk singer and dropped comments on her last Chhath song video. One user wrote, “Ye geet humare liye akhiri hogya socha nahi tha ki itni jaldi chali jayengi chath ka matlab hi sharda Sinha ki avaj tha hamare liye jo hamesha rahega aapki bahut yaad ayegi. (We never thought this would be your last song. Never thought you would go so early. For us, Chhath means listening to Sharda Sinha’s music. We will miss you).”
Another commented, “Shardha Sinha Will Always be alive in Our heart ❤️❤️❤️…..OM SHANTI.”
Sharda Sinha’s legacy
Renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha is known for her songs such as ‘Ho Dinanath’ and ‘Kanch Hi Baans Ke Bahangiya’ which are played on Chhath every year. Her music is an integral part of the ritual and her voice is considered essential to Chhath celebrations. Her work has inspired generations to connect and appreciate the rural roots of Bihar music and even promoted regional folk music.
She wasn’t only popular in Bihar; she has also sung several Bollywood songs, including ‘Kahe Toh Se Sajna’ from Salman Khan’s starrer Mein Pyar Kiya, ‘Taar Bijli’ from Gangs of Wasseypur II, and ‘Babul’ from Hum Aapke Hain Koun.
