Popular folk singer Sharda Sinha, widely celebrated for her contributions to Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Maghahi music, passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 72. Sinha was undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, where she was placed on ventilator support due to health complications stemming from multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.
An AIIMS official confirmed her passing, stating, “Sharda Sinha expired at 9.20 pm due to refractory shock as a result of septicemia.” Sinha was known for her beloved folk songs, including “Kartik Maas Ijoriya” and “Koyal Bin,” as well as popular Bollywood numbers like “Taar Bijli” from Gangs of Wasseypur- II and “Babul” from Hum Aapke Hain Koun.
Prior to her death, AIIMS reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was actively monitoring Sinha’s condition and had expressed prayers for her speedy recovery. In a post on X, AIIMS stated, “Noted folk singer, Smt. Sharda Sinha is admitted in AIIMS, New Delhi for treatment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji is continuously monitoring her condition and is in direct contact with the treating doctors.”
Sinha’s influence in the folk music scene was profound, earning her the title of “Bihar Kokila.” She was especially cherished in her native Bihar and parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, where her songs were commonly sung during significant occasions like Chhath Puja and weddings.
Union minister Giriraj Singh and Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan were among those who visited Sinha during her hospitalization, highlighting her impact and the love she garnered from fans and fellow artists alike. Some of her most popular tracks include “Chhathi Maiya Aayi Na Duaariya,” “Dwar Chekai,” “Patna Se,” and “Koyal Bin.”
Sinha’s passing marks a significant loss to the Indian music community, as she leaves behind a rich legacy of folk songs that resonated deeply with her audience.