From Chhath Songs To Bollywood Hits, All About The Folk Music Icon Sharda Sinha

Bihar's renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha, known for her iconic Chhath songs, died at the age of 72 on Tuesday night.

Sharda Sinha was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, in 2017.

Sinha had been admitted to AIIMS Hospital in Delhi, where she was undergoing treatment for cancer for several days.

Sinha's husband, Braj Kishore Sinha, a politician, died from a brain hemorrhage in September 2023, adding to her hardships.

Born on October 1, 1952, in Bihar, Sharda was a prominent voice in Maithili and Bhojpuri music, earning her the nickname 'Bihar Kokila.'

Her songs dedicated to the Chhath festival are deeply cherished in Bihar, with classics like "Kelwa Ke Paat Par Ugalan Suraj Mal Jhake Jhuke" and "Hey Chhathi Maiya."

Sharda's wedding songs have become a traditional staple at celebrations, showcasing her major role in cultural events.

She also made her mark in Bollywood, singing "Kahe Toh Se Sajna" for the film Maine Pyar Kiya and "Taar Bijli" for Gangs of Wasseypur.

Sinha received the Padma Shri in 1991 for her musical contributions and was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2018, India's third-highest civilian honor.

Throughout her career, she recorded 62 Chhath songs across nine albums, collaborating with major music labels like T-Series, HMV, and Tips.