Sharda Sinha, renowned folk singer and Padma Bhushan awardee without whose voice Chhath Puja can’t be imagined has left this world to enchant Chatthi Maiya with her mesmerizing melodies that too on the day of Chhath.
She passed away at the age of 72 due to complications from cancer. She had been admitted to AIIMS Delhi and was receiving treatment in the hospital’s oncology department since October 25.
Ms. Sinha was on a ventilator and ultimately succumbed to refractory shock caused by septicemia.She was earlier diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a bone marrow cancer in 2017.
Her son Anshuman Sinha in a post on social media confirmed the news of her death. He wrote “आप सब की प्रार्थना और प्यार हमेशा मां के साथ रहेंगे। मां को छठी मईया ने अपने पास बुला लिया है । मां अब शारीरिक रूप में हम सब के बीच नहीं रहीं । which translates to “Your prayers and love will always be with mother. She has been called by Chhathi Maiya to her side.”
While Bhojpuri songs are often lined up with vulgarity, Sharda Sinha maintained the sacredness of her songs. She also sang in Bollywood but still maintained the dignity of her songs. The Government of India awarded Padma Shri to Sharda Sinha in 1991 and Padma Bhushan in 2018. Since the arrival of Sharda Sinha, there was hardly any festival associated with Bihar where Sharda Sinha was not present. Be it the music festival of Prayag Sangeet Samiti in Prayagraj or the Bihar festival of Pragati Maidan (2009) of Delhi, Sharda Sinha gave performances in all of them. One of the major reasons for his fame in Bihar and nearby areas was his association with Chhath songs.
Prime Minister upon the demise of Sharda Sinha shared heartfelt condolence. He wrote “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 घड़ी में मेरी संवेदनाएं उनके परिजनों और प्रशंसकों के साथ हैं। ओम शांति!” which translates to “”Extremely saddened by the demise of legendary folk singer Sharda Sinha ji. The folk songs of Maithili and Bhojpuri sung by him have been very popular for the last several decades. The echo of his melodious songs related to the great festival of faith, Chhath, will also remain forever. His demise is an irreparable loss to the music world. My condolences to his family, friends & fans at this time of grief. Om Shanti!”