Veteran folk singer Sharda Sinha passed away on November 5 at AIIMS, New Delhi. She was 72 years old. The Padma Bhushan recipient was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2018. Sinha was admitted to the hospital on October 27 and was put on ventilator support after his health deteriorated. The news of his demise was shared by his son Anshuman Sinha on social media.

On 4th November, Sinha’s last pre-recorded Chhath track is Dukhva Mitayin Chhathi MaiyaWas released. Her son shared the link of the song from his mother’s profile. In the caption, he wrote in Hindi, “Meanwhile, as my mother’s health battle continues, I am making a small effort by posting the video of her new Chhath song, Dukhva Mittai Chhathi Maiya. After the audio release, I shared this Made a video.” Using just my laptop and mobile data at the AIIMS hospital campus, I combined a collection of beautiful old memories of my mother with captivating scenes of the Chhath festival.”

“I hope you all will give me your blessings. My only request is that, if anyone is inspired to raise their hand after watching this video, it should be for my mother’s recovery, her return to life. I sincerely thank the dedicated friends who made this sudden project possible,” he wrote.

Watch the video here:

Sharda Sinha was called Bihar KokilaHe was widely recognized for his immense contribution to Bhojpuri, Maithili and Magahi music. He has played an important role in bringing the traditional music of Bihar to a wider audience. His songs dedicated to Chhath festival and weddings are especially popular in Bihar.

His famous Chhath songs include Kelwa Ke Paat Par Ugalan Suraj Mal Jhake Jhuke, Hey Chhathi Maiya, Ho Dinanath, Bahangi Lachkat Jaaye, Roze Roze Ugela, Suna Chhathi Mai, Jode Jode Supava and Patna Ke Ghat Par.

Sinha has also lent her voice to Bollywood songs. She sang Sajna from Kahe Toh in Salman Khan and Bhagyashree’s 1989 film Maine Pyar Kiya, Taar Bijli from Gangs of Wasseypur and Babul Jo Tum Ne Sikhaya from Hum Aapke Hain Koun.

Sharda Sinha, born on 1 October 1952 in Bihar, did her PhD in Music from Lalit Narayan Mithila University. She took special education in music from Magadh Mahila College and Prayag Sangeet Samiti. The legendary folk singer was awarded the Padma Shri in 1991, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2018. He has also received many state honors like Bhikhari Thakur Samman, Bihar Gaurav, Bihar Ratna and Mithila Vibhuti.

Sharda Sinha’s contribution to music has left an indelible mark on the folk style of India.