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Indian folk music has lost an irreplaceable voice as Sharda Sinha, the beloved ‘Nightingale of Bihar,’ passes away.
Sharda Sinha, celebrated folk singer and the ‘Nightingale of Bihar,’ has passed away. PM Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh, CM Atishi have conveyed their condolences.
The world of Indian folk music has lost one of its most cherished voices as Sharda Sinha, the iconic folk singer known for her timeless Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi songs, passed away. Known as the “Nightingale of Bihar,” Sinha’s contributions to Indian folk music have left an indelible mark, bringing the traditional sounds of Bihar to both national and international stages. She had been battling multiple myeloma since 2018 and was admitted to the Oncology Medical Department of AIIMS for nearly two weeks. Her condition deteriorated on Monday, leading to her being placed on ventilator support. In the wake of her passing, politicians and public figures alike shared heartfelt condolences.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt condolences on social media, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha Ji. Her Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs have been immensely popular for many decades. The melodious echoes of her songs associated with the great festival of faith, Chhath, will always remain. Her departure is an irreplaceable loss for the music world. In this moment of grief, my condolences are with her family and fans. Om Shanti!”
सुप्रसिद्ध लोक गायिका शारदा सिन्हा जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। उनके गाए मैथिली और भोजपुरी के लोकगीत पिछले कई दशकों से बेहद लोकप्रिय रहे हैं। आस्था के महापर्व छठ से जुड़े उनके सुमधुर गीतों की गूंज भी सदैव बनी रहेगी। उनका जाना संगीत जगत के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। शोक की इस… pic.twitter.com/sOaLvUOnrW— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 5, 2024
On his X handle, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of Sharda Sinha. She was a versatile folk singer who brought Bhojpuri music to the hearts of many. Her songs will be remembered for a long time. Her passing has left a profound void in the world of folk music. In this moment of sorrow, I extend my condolences to her grieving family and fans. Om Shanti.”
श्रीमती शारदा सिन्हा जी के निधन से मुझे अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। वे एक बहुमुखी प्रतिभा की धनी लोक गायिका थीं जिन्होंने भोजपुरी भाषा को जन-जन के बीच लोकप्रिय बनाया। उनके गीतों को लोग लंबे समय तक याद रखेंगे। उनके निधन से लोक संगीत की दुनिया ने एक प्रभावी स्वर खो दिया है। दुःख की इस घड़ी…— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 5, 2024
Atishi Marlena, Chief Minister of New Delhi from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), wrote, “The news of the passing of the renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha is deeply saddening. Through her music, she preserved our cultural heritage. May God grant her a place at His feet.”
प्रसिद्ध लोकगायिका शारदा सिन्हा जी के निधन की खबर बहुत दुखद है। उन्होंने अपने संगीत से हमारी सांस्कृतिक धरोहर को संजोने का काम किया। ईश्वर उन्हें अपने श्रीचरणों में स्थान दें। https://t.co/0jgvhX1gne
— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) November 5, 2024
Born on October 1, 1952, in Samastipur, Bihar, Sharda Sinha grew up immersed in the folk culture that inspired her dedication to regional music. She pursued her passion, earning a Master’s degree in music and later teaching the art before her career soared. Over the decades, Sinha championed the preservation of Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi folk songs, infusing them with authenticity and emotion that resonated with millions.
Her renditions of folk classics like “Kahe Toh Se Sajna,” “Paniya Ke Jahaj Se Paltaniya Ban Ahiya Ho Rama,” and “Sasu Ji Se Nanad Ji Laayi Devar Babu” became beloved across India, transforming her into a household name and a beacon of pride for Bihar. Sinha’s music not only celebrated the folk heritage of Bihar but also introduced the richness of Bhojpuri and Maithili culture to audiences worldwide.
Her voice became inseparable from Chhath Puja festivities, with songs like “Hey Chhathi Maiya” and “Ho Dina Nath” becoming essential to the celebration, cherished by generations and capturing the devotion and essence of the festival.
Throughout her life, Sharda Sinha was honored with numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, in 2018, and the Padma Shri in 1991. Her dedication to preserving and promoting folk music and culture was recognized by institutions across the nation, solidifying her place as one of India’s most respected folk artists.
Sharda Sinha was known for her humility and deep connection to her roots, often appearing in traditional attire that reflected her pride in her heritage. Her presence on stage was more than captivating; it served as a bridge connecting audiences to the rural beauty of Bihar.
Her passing is a profound loss for the world of music, especially for those who cherished her contributions to Indian folk traditions. She leaves behind a legacy rich with songs, stories, and an enduring impact on Bihar’s cultural heritage. Her voice, filled with the warmth of the Bhojpuri heartland, will continue to resonate in the lives she touched.