Veteran Folk Singer Sharda Sinha passes away in New Delhi; President & PM express grief

Popular Folk Singer, Sharda Sinha passed away in New Delhi last night. She was 72. She breathed her last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in the National Capital. Known for her Bhojpuri and Maithili Folks Songs, Sharda Sinha was honoured with Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Sangeet Natak Academi Awards.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the demise of legendary folk singer Dr. Sharda Sinha. President Droupadi Murmu has also expressed grief.

In a social media post, the President said, Dr. Sinha, also known as Bihar Kokila, gained immense popularity in the music world by giving her melodious voice to Bihari folk songs in Maithili and Bhojpuri.

She said that on the occasion of Chhath Puja, her melodious songs are creating a divine atmosphere of devotion in the country and abroad. In the year 2018, Dr Sinha was awarded the Padma Bhushan in the field of art. The President paid condolences to her family and followers in this hour of grief.

Doyen of folk music of Bihar, Sharda Sinha served several generations with her lilting voice in different regional languages including Maithili, Bhojpur, Magahi.

One of the greatest cultural ambassadors of Bihar and the eastern region, Sharda Sinha was born in Supaul on October 1, 1952. Her journey from a housewife in typical Bihari family to an acclaimed folk singer is an interesting one as she revolted against the orthodox warp and weft of the society.

The echo and reverberation of melodious songs of Sharda Sinha associated with the great festival of faith, Chhath, Vivah Geet and other rituals will continue for the generations ahead.

Sharda Sinha also sang about the life of Girmitiya or indentured labourers, which are very popular. Her devotional songs like Jagdamba Ghar mein diyara carved a special niche and made an indelible mark.

The beautiful depiction of deities, gods and goddesses in Vivah Geet is remarkable. Even her love songs on relationships of newlywed couples are still admired in families and continue to enjoy high regard.

Members of the arts and culture fraternity have expressed deep grief over the demise of the great folk singer Sharda Sinha. Talking to Akashvani News famous singer Kalpana Patowary said it great loss to Purabiya Culture.

One of the close associates of Sharda Sinha, musician Arjun Chowdhary said she was real flagbearer of folk culture and society. An eminent singer of Bihar, Nitu Kumari Nutan remembered her association with Sharda Sinha.