Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences to Anshuman Sinha, the son of the late iconic folk singer Sharda Sinha, who passed away on 5 November due to cancer complications. The letter, penned in Hindi, was shared from the official handle of the late singer on social media.
“Anshuman Sinha ji, I am deeply saddened by the demise of your mother, Shrimati Sharda Sinha ji. In this difficult time, my sympathies are with your family and her admirers. Through her songs rooted in folk traditions and cultural values, Shrimati Sharda Sinha ji enriched our culture,” wrote Modi addressed to the late singer's son Anshuman Sinha.
He added, “With her natural and resonant voice in Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs, she touched the hearts of millions. Apart from folk songs, her captivating voice in films mesmerised countless music lovers. She was honoured with several awards, including the Padma honours. Young musicians always benefited from her invaluable guidance.”
Modi further acknowledged Sinha’s iconic Chhath songs, remarking, “Her songs dedicated to Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev have become an inseparable part of the Chhath festival. The Bihar kokila's musical journey of over half a century is a precious heritage for the arts. Her demise is an irreplaceable loss to the world of music. I still remember my memorable meeting with Shrimati Sharda Sinha ji, a woman of simplicity and grace. Though she is no longer physically with us, her teachings, values, and life principles will always remain with her family and admirers. May God grant your family and her well-wishers the strength and courage to bear this loss. Om Shanti.”
About Sharda Sinha
Sharda Sinha, 72, was a celebrated folk singer known for her powerful renditions in Maithili and Bhojpuri. Her popular songs, such as Vivaah Geet and Chhath Geet, made her a household name across Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Her illustrious career earned her accolades including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and Padma Shri.
Born on 1 October 1952 in Samastipur, Bihar, in a musically inclined family, Sinha started her career with All India Radio and Doordarshan in 1980. Her songs, especially those dedicated to the Chhath festival, continue to resonate deeply with the people.