On the fateful night of November 5, 2024, the music industry of India lost one of its brightest stars, Sharda Sinha, affectionately known as the “Bihar Kokila,” she breathed her last at the age of 72, and her death left the millions in shock as the country mourned the loss of the voice that excelled the generations along with the cultures.
Moreover, a celebrated icon of folk along with classical music, the contribution of Sharda Sinha to the cultural heritage of Bihar remains unparalleled, and her songs were not just melodies but also woven tapestries of tradition, emotion as well as the essence of the Bihari culture. The passing marks of the Sharda Sinha’s the end of an era in the world of Maithili, as well as the Bhojpuri folk music and her unique voice, is often likened to the melodious cuckoo and it became synonymous with the Bihari traditions, particularly during the festive season of Chhath Puja.
Humble beginnings, along with the musical roots
Sharda Sinha was born on October 1, 1952, in the small village of Hulas, which is located in the Raghopur block of the Supaul district, Bihar. She belonged to the Bhumihar Brahmin family and was the only daughter among the nine siblings of her father, Sukhdev Thakur. Furthermore, her childhood was steeped in the rich cultural as well as the musical traditions of rural Bihar.
From a young age, Sharda Sinha was surrounded by the folk songs sung by her mother and the local women during the festivals along with the family events, which ignited her passion for the music, and her early years were filled with the sounds of Maithili as well as the Bhojpuri folk songs as she listened attentively to the rhythms and the lyrics that narrated stories of love, devotion and the simplicity of rural life. On this point, this cultural immersion shaped her future as a folk singer and gave her a deep understanding of the musical heritage she would later preserve and promote.
Lastly, her rise to fame was not an overnight journey; it was a gradual ascent marked by perseverance, dedication as well as a rigid love for her craft.
From the folk melodies to the cinematic hits
Her career in the sector of the music of Sharda Sinha began with her soulful renditions of Maithili folk songs, which resonated with the local audience as well as slowly garnered attention on a broader scale. And she was not just the singer but also she was the storyteller whose voice brought to life the vibrant festivals of Bihar. Her songs like “Vivah Geet” as well as “Chhath Geet” became the staples of the wedding ceremonies along with the religious festivities as well as it making her the household name in the region. However, the talents of Sharda Sinha soon excelled in the local boundaries when she lent her voice to the Hindi film industry as well.
Her iconic song “Kahe Toh Se Sajna” in ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ remains the timeless classic as well as showcasing her ability to balance the raw, earthy quality of the folk music with the complexity of the Bollywood melodies. Additionally, she also left an ineffaceable mark with songs like “Taar Bijli” from the movie Gangs of Wasseypur Part 2, which was commended for its reality and depth as well as her versatility allowed her to sing in Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Magahi along with Hindi which showcasing the variety of her list.
Awards and Recognition
The journey of the Sharda Sinha by the world of music is not just the tale of melodies, but it is also the story of the woman who contained her cultural roots as well as became the voice of traditions of India’s folk. Moreover, her passion for conserving the soul of Indian folk music was deeply recognized when, in the year 1991, she received the Padma Shri, which is one of the highest civilian honours in the country. On that point, it was as if the nation collectively bowed in respect, acknowledging the profound effect she had made on its cultural heritage and as the years rolled on her contributions continued to the far as well as wide.
| Year | Year | Category |
| 1991 | Padma Shri | Contribution to the Indian Music |
| 2000 | Sangeet Natak Akademi | Excellence in Folk Music |
| 2018 | Padma Bhushan | Promoting Indian Cultural Heritage |
Resilience among struggles
Behind the success along with the challenges, Sharda Sinha confronted several personal challenges, and she married Brajkishore Sinha in 1970, a relationship that brought her stability as well as support throughout her career. They had two children: a son, Anshuman, and a daughter, Vandana. Despite the demands of her musical journey, Sharda remained deeply connected to her family and often credited them for her strength perseverance, and. Her life took he difficult turn when she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the year 2017, a form of cancer that significantly impacted her health. On this point, even in the face of illness, she continued to perform as well as engage with her fans, displaying remarkable resilience.
Sadly, in September 2024, her world was devastated when her husband suddenly passed away, struck by a brain hemorrhage, and the loss was immense and cast a heavy shadow over her already delicate health. She was also confronted each day with the grace that spoke of deep inner strength, and as the months went by, her battles grew harder, her spirit lowered by the grief but never defeated. Finally, on November 5, 2024, at the AIIMS Delhi, her journey came to an end, and it was a farewell not just to the life well lived but to the woman who bore her sorrows with quiet dignity and left them behind a legacy of love as well as resilience.
What an irony! Sharda Sinha ji, a folk singer from Bihar, popular mainly because of her Chhatth songs, dies on Nahaay-Khaay, the first day of the four-day Chhatth Puja, in AIIMS, Delhi.
ॐ शांति
ॐ सद्गति 🥲🙏
Her last video song, on Chhatth itself, was released just last week.… pic.twitter.com/JuvGRyLBKK
— Ritu Gupta Prashar ऋतु Hritu🇮🇳 (@RituDreams) November 5, 2024A legacy that transcends time
In the heart of Bihar, the voice of the Sharda Sinha became more than just music and it was the essence of the land itself and her songs resounded with every household and weaving together the age-old traditions of the region. During the sacred festival like Chhath Puja it was her melodies that filled the air and it becoming the very breath of devotion along with faith.
FAQ
What was Sharda Sinha affectionately known as in the Indian music industry and cultural scene?
“Bihar Kokila,” due to her unique voice reflecting the essence of Bihar’s folk music.
Where was Sharda Sinha born, and what influenced her early passion for music?
Born in Hulas village, her passion grew from family traditions of Maithili folk songs.
Which iconic Bollywood song did Sharda Sinha lend her voice to, showcasing her versatile talent?
“Kahe Toh Se Sajna” from the film ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ became an evergreen hit.
What awards did Sharda Sinha receive for her contributions to preserving Indian folk music?
She received Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and Padma Bhushan for outstanding musical contributions.
What adversity did Sharda Sinha face later in life while continuing her musical journey?
Diagnosed with multiple myeloma, she continued performing despite serious health challenges and personal losses.
How has Sharda Sinha’s legacy impacted the cultural traditions of Bihar, especially during Chhath Puja?
Her songs are festival anthems, symbolizing devotion, tradition, and the spirit of Bihari folk heritage.
