Sharda Sinha dies: Legendary folk singer’s last Chhath song released a day ago

Veteran folk singer Sharda Sinha died on November 5 at AIIMS, New Delhi. She was 72. The Padma Bhushan recipient was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2018. Sinha was hospitalised on October 27 and was kept on ventilator support after her health deteriorated. Her son Anshuman Sinha shared the news of her death on social media.
On November 4, Sinha’s last pre-recorded Chhath track, Dukhwa Mitayin Chhathi Maiya, was released. Her son shared the link to the song from his mother’s profile. In the caption, he wrote in Hindi, “Meanwhile, as my mother continues her health battle, I am making a small effort by posting a video of her new Chhath song, Dukhwa Mitai Chhathi Maiya. After the audio release, I created this video on the AIIMS hospital premises using just my laptop and mobile data, combining a collection of my mother’s beautiful old memories with the enchanting scenes of the Chhath festival.”
“I hope you will all give me your blessings. My only request is that, if anyone is moved to raise their hand after watching this video, may it be in prayer for my mother’s recovery, for her return to life. I sincerely thank my dedicated friends who made this sudden project possible,” he wrote.
Watch the video here:

Sharda Sinha was called Bihar Kokila. She was widely recognised for her immense contribution to Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi music. She has been instrumental in bringing Bihar’s traditional music to a wider audience. Her songs dedicated to Chhath festival and weddings are especially popular in Bihar.
Her famous Chhath songs include Kelwa Ke Paat Par Ugalan Suraj Mal Jhake Jhuke, Hey Chhathi Maiya, Ho Dinanath, Bahangi Lachakat Jaaye, Roje Roje Ugelaa, Suna Chhathi Maai, Jode Jode Supawa, and Patna Ke Ghat Par.
Sinha has lent her voice to Bollywood songs too. She sang the song Kahe Toh Se Sajna in Salman Khan and Bhagyashree’s 1989 film Maine Pyar Kiya, Taar Bijli from Gangs of Wasseypur and Babul Jo Tum Ne Sikhaya in Hum Aapke Hain Koun.
Born in Bihar on October 1, 1952, Sharda Sinha had a PhD in music from Lalit Narayan Mithila University. She took special training in music from Magadh Mahila College and Prayag Sangeet Samiti. The legendary folk singer was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1991, followed by Padma Bhushan in 2018. She has also received several state honours such as Bhikhari Thakur Samman, Bihar Gaurav, Bihar Ratna and Mithila Vibhuti.
Sharda Sinha’s contribution to music has left an indelible mark on India’s folk genre.