Sharda Sinha: The Lata Mangeshkar of Bihar – A voice that makes Chhath Puja complete

In the world of Indian folk music, few voices have resonated so powerfully across generations as that of Sharda Sinha. Known lovingly as the "Bihar Kokila" (Cuckoo of Bihar) and revered as the Lata Mangeshkar of her region, Sharda Sinha transformed the sounds of Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi music into treasured national anthems.

Her contributions to Indian folk traditions earned her the Padma Shri in 1991 and the Padma Bhushan in 2018.

On a somber evening on November 5 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi, the legendary singer passed away at the age of 72, following a prolonged battle with multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer. Her death leaves a deep void in the hearts of her admirers, her family, and the music community across India.

Sharda Sinha's son, Anshuman, who had fervently reached out for prayers and support, shared her last moments with the world, and the response was overwhelming.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with countless fans, extended heartfelt condolences, capturing the universal love that she inspired throughout her life.

A Legacy of Song and Soul

Born in a humble village in Bihar, Sharda Sinha’s voice became synonymous with the very soul of Bihar’s cultural heritage. Her music became a bridge between tradition and modernity, bringing the sounds of regional India to the mainstream.

For decades, her Chhath Puja songs were, and continue to be, an essential part of the festival—a fact that makes her departure all the more poignant. Sharda Sinha’s voice was not only celebrated in Bihar but also widely embraced by listeners across India and the world.

Also Read: Sharda Sinha Live Update

Starting her singing career in the 1970s, Sinha quickly garnered a loyal following with her unique style, blending classical rigor with folk simplicity.

Her first album, Ganga Stuti, a collection of Maithili songs by poet Vidyapati, set the tone for her illustrious career. Her earthy, melodious voice echoed across various platforms, marking every major occasion in her home state of Bihar and beyond.

Achievements and Honors: Celebrating the ‘Bihar Kokila’

Sharda Sinha’s contributions to music were recognized by some of India’s most prestigious honors. In 1991, she was awarded the Padma Shri, and in 2018, the Padma Bhushan. These awards were a testament not only to her skill but to her role as a cultural ambassador of India’s folk heritage.

Beyond awards, Sinha's greatest achievement lies in the impact she made through her songs. Her rendition of Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi folk songs became benchmarks of authenticity and emotional depth.

Whether it was her voice in Bollywood films like Maine Pyar Kiya with “Kahe Tose Sajna” or Hum Aapke Hain Koun with “Babul Jo Tumne Sikhaya,” Sinha brought a piece of her homeland’s warmth and depth to audiences across the nation.

In recent years, she also brought her voice to the song "Nirmohiya" for the web series Maharani, a production set in Bihar. Her contribution gave the series a powerful cultural anchor, drawing audiences into the rustic charm and sincerity of Bihari life.

These songs not only showcased her vocal prowess but also highlighted her gift for capturing the nuances of emotion that defined her folk music.

The Heartbeat of Chhath Puja

For millions of Biharis, Chhath Puja would be incomplete without Sharda Sinha’s voice filling the air. Songs like “Pahile Pahil Chhathi Maiya,” “Ho Deenanath,” and “Bahangi Lachakat Jaaye” have become part of the cultural fabric of the festival.

These devotional songs, dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, have united families and communities in a celebration of hope, devotion, and reverence for nature. Sinha herself acknowledged the honor of being able to create music that carried the spirit of Chhath Puja.

In a candid interview with The Hindu, Sinha once shared her passion for preserving and promoting folk traditions: “I have tried my level best to save the rich culture pulsating in our tradition through these songs, sung on every significant occasion or ‘sanskar,’ from birth to death, on festivals or the changing seasons.” These words encapsulate her life’s mission—to keep alive the sounds and sentiments that define the very essence of India’s rural heart.

One of her most cherished stories is tied to her performance of "Pahile Pahil Chhathi Maiya." The song, with its raw depiction of a devotee’s journey during Chhath, struck a chord with people across all walks of life.

This song was particularly close to her heart, and she often shared how the overwhelming response from listeners brought her joy and a sense of purpose. Upon its release, the song quickly went viral, transcending geographical boundaries and emerging as a spiritual anthem for all who celebrated Chhath Puja.

The Challenges and Comeback

Like many artists dedicated to folk traditions, Sinha faced struggles that threatened her career. The pressure from music companies, combined with a lack of high-quality lyrics, led her to take a break from the industry between 2006 and 2016.

It was only after these issues were addressed that she made her much-anticipated return, releasing two new songs for Chhath Puja, “Supawo Na Mile Maai” and “Pahile Pahil Chhathi Maiya.” These songs brought back the soul of her music, and the public embraced her once again with open arms.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Sinha explained how the absence of good lyrics and industry exploitation disheartened her. But her love for the folk music of Bihar, and her unwavering dedication to the traditions she grew up with, helped her overcome these challenges. Her comeback was a triumphant reminder of the resilience that defined her character and artistry.

Beyond Music: A Beloved Mentor and Cultural Icon

Sharda Sinha’s impact extended far beyond the music stage. Her life was a beacon of cultural pride and strength, and she inspired countless young artists. Known for her gentle spirit and humility, she was a beloved mentor who encouraged upcoming singers to stay rooted in their traditions, even as they explored contemporary avenues. Her commitment to preserving regional music remained steadfast, and she devoted herself to teaching students and promoting folk arts.

Sinha also earned a Ph.D. in Music from Lalit Narayan Mithila University, a rare feat for folk artists, underscoring her dedication to music as an academic discipline. She used her academic pursuits as a platform to uplift folk music, bringing it to a new level of recognition and respect.

One memorable moment in her career was her performance in 2008 at an event attended by the then-Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam. Her music transcended linguistic and cultural barriers, reminding everyone that the language of folk is universal. This performance exemplified her role as an ambassador of Indian folk culture on a global stage.

A Personal Journey Marked by Love, Loss, and Resilience

The last years of Sinha’s life were marked by significant personal challenges, including the death of her husband, Braj Kishore Sinha, just two weeks before her own passing. Her family has shared that she continued to be a pillar of strength despite her grief, facing her own health battles with courage. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2018, Sinha’s condition gradually worsened, but she remained resilient, bringing solace to her loved ones and fans until the end.

Remembering Sharda Sinha: An Immortal Voice of Indian Folk Music

Sharda Sinha’s departure is a profound loss to Indian music and culture. She leaves behind a treasure trove of songs that celebrate the rhythms of rural India and the emotional depth of its people. Her legacy is far more than the awards she won; it is the lives she touched, the traditions she preserved, and the pride she instilled in her homeland.

Her songs will continue to reverberate through Chhath Puja celebrations, in the memories of her fans, and in the hearts of every Indian who values the rich heritage of folk music. Sharda Sinha may have left this world, but her voice will continue to fill the skies every Chhath Puja, reminding us of the woman who truly was the heartbeat of Bihar and an irreplaceable icon of Indian music.

As the sun rises on a new Chhath Puja, her voice will echo, bringing comfort, unity, and joy to all who listen, keeping alive the legacy of a woman who truly lived and sang from the depths of her soul.