Sharda Sinha, known as the ‘Nightingale of Bihar,’ passed away in Delhi at the age of 72 on Tuesday following treatment for cancer-related complications.
Sharda Sinha’s renowned Chhath songs have long been a staple in the celebrations of Chhath puja around the globe. However, this year’s festivities took a somber turn as her son, Anshuman, announced the unfortunate news of her passing. The Padma Bhushan awardee succumbed to cancer-related complications at the age of 72 at AIIMS in Delhi on Tuesday.
Tribute is paid by PM Modi to the folk singer.
[New Version]: Expressing sorrow over the passing of renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences on his social media platform. He remembered her Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs, which have captivated audiences for many years. Sharda Sinha’s melodious tunes, especially those linked with the revered Chhath festival, will be cherished forever. Her contribution to music is irreplaceable, and the Prime Minister extended his sympathies to her family and admirers during this difficult time. Om Shanti!
Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, Union Ministers, also expressed their condolences on their individual social media accounts.
Amit Shah penned down that Sharda Sinha, renowned as the Nightingale of Bihar, garnered immense popularity for Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs, captivating the film industry with her melodious voice as a playback singer.
Rajnath Singh praised the multi-talented folk singer for her contribution in popularizing the Bhojpuri language among the masses, stating that her songs will leave a lasting impact on people’s minds.
Manoj Bajpayee, the actor who transitioned into politics, recently honored the late renowned folk singer at AIIMS in Delhi. He expressed his emotions on X platform by posting pictures and videos from his visit. In his post, Manoj fondly remembered his interaction with the respected singer, referring to her as “elder sister Sharda Didi.” He highlighted her significant contribution in popularizing Bhojpuri culture nationwide and globally through her soulful renditions of Chhathi Maiya and devotional music. Manoj mourned the irreparable loss that the Bhojpuri community and the nation have suffered due to the passing of Sharda Didi.
Ravi Kishan, the actor and politician from Laapataa Ladies, shared his sorrow in a post on X. He mentioned, “The epitome of melodious vocals, a symbol of our heritage. Without her voice, Chhath Puja, weddings, everything feels inadequate. Today, Maa Sharda Sinha ji has been summoned by Chhathi Maiya.
Sharda Sinha, the recipient of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards, will be given a dignified farewell with full state honors. Her son, Anushuman, informed ANI that they have chosen to conduct her final rites at the same location where her husband’s last rites were conducted. The family will transport her remains to Patna for the cremation ceremony.
Manoj Tiwari has verified to the press that Sharda Sinha will receive state honours during her final rites. Her body will be available for public viewing in Patna before the cremation ceremony, scheduled for November 7.
A month following her husband’s passing, the singer tragically succumbs.
Sharda Sinha dedicated her recent Facebook post to her late husband, Brajkishore Sinha, who passed away on September 22. Marking the occasion of Karwa Chauth, she uploaded a picture of herself on her Facebook profile, expressing, “My forehead feels incomplete without sindoor. Despite this, I am striving to uphold my musical career by cherishing the memories of Sinha sahab. Today, I honor him through my tribute.
Sharda Sinha recently honored her late husband by sharing a post on October 7. In the post, she reminisced about him by quoting lyrics from her well-known song “Kahe Toh Se Sajna” from the movie Maine Pyaar Kiya, expressing her longing for her beloved.
