Folk singer Sharda Sinha passes away, PM Modi pays condolences on X
File photo of Sharda Sinha
Indian folksinger Sharda Sinha, widely celebrated for her contributions to Bhojpuri, Maithili and Maghahi music, passed away on Tuesday in New Delhi. The singer was undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi for the last few days and had to be placed on ventilator support due to health complications stemming from multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.
An AIIMS official confirmed her passing on Tuesday and said, “Sharda Sinha expired at 9.20 pm due to refractory shock as a result of septicemia.” Sinha was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2018 for her immense contribution to Indian music.
The popular singer was known for her beloved folk songs, including “Kartik Maas Ijoriya” and “Koyal Bin,” as well as popular Bollywood numbers like “Taar Bijli” from Gangs of Wasseypur- II and “Babul” from Hum Aapke Hain Koun.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to condole Sinha's demise and wrote, "I am deeply saddened by the demise of renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha ji. Her Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs have been very popular for the last several decades. The echo of her melodious songs associated with the great festival of faith, Chhath, will always remain. Her demise is an irreparable loss for the music world. My condolences are with her family and fans in this hour of grief. 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
Before her death, an AIIMS spokesperson had reported that the PM was actively monitoring Sinha’s condition.
Sinha’s influence in the folk music scene was profound, earning her the title of “Bihar Kokila.” Her songs were especially popular in Bihar and parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Sinha's songs were commonly sung during significant occasions like Chhath Puja and weddings.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh and Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan were among those who visited Sinha during her hospitalisation.