New Delhi: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Congress candidate from Wayanad, expressed her grief on the passing of renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha.
Sinha, widely recognized for her soulful renditions of Bhojpuri and Maithili folk songs, died around 9:20 PM late on Tuesday evening from refractory shock caused by septicaemia. She was 72 years old.
Taking to her official social media account, Priyanka shared her condolences, writing, “The news of the demise of Dr Sharda Sinha ji, who took folk singing to new heights with her extraordinary talent and melodious voice, is extremely sad. May her soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to her bereaved family and fans. Heartfelt tribute.”
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— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) November 6, 2024
Sinha, who was affectionately known as the “Bihar Kokila,” passed away after a long battle with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer diagnosed in 2018.
Her health had worsened in recent days, leading to her being placed on life support earlier this week.
Sharda Sinha was a beloved figure not only in Bihar but across India. A resident of Sihama village, her in-laws’ hometown, recalled her immense contributions to Indian music.
“She was a famous singer in the whole nation. She was honoured with the Padma Bhushan and will remain alive through the songs she sang. We got to know that she passed away around 9:30 PM last night. She was very fond of our village,” shared one villager.
Another local from Sihama echoed similar sentiments, saying, “She was the pride of not just this region, but of the entire country. Everyone knew who Sharda Sinha was. We learned about her passing at around 5 in the morning. It is a huge loss for all of us.”
Sharda Sinha’s son, Anshuman Sinha, spoke of the deep sorrow that the family is experiencing following her passing.
He mentioned that her final rites would be performed in Patna, in the same place where his father’s last rites had been held.
“It’s a sad time for us. My mother was very close to all of us. Her aura and her singing captivated everyone around her. It is a shock for all who knew her. Her legacy will live on in her songs and in the hearts of the people,” Anshuman said.
He also noted the timing of her passing, as it coincided with the first day of Chhath Puja, a significant festival in Bihar. “She left us on the first day of Chhath Puja, a time when her songs are especially cherished. She will forever be a part of the people’s hearts,” he added.
Politicians from across India also paid their tributes to the late singer. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, who had a personal connection with Sharda Sinha, expressed his sorrow, stating, “The demise of Sharda Sinha is an irreparable loss. The family has decided that her last rites will take place in Bihar with all due honours. She will remain in our hearts forever.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to offer his deepest condolences, describing Sharda Sinha as an irreplaceable figure in the Indian music industry.
“Her contribution to Bhojpuri and Maithili folk music is immense, and the echo of her melodious songs will last forever. Her demise is an irreparable loss to the world of music,” said PM Modi.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also expressed their grief and shared messages of solidarity with the Sinha family.
Sharda Sinha was a trailblazer in preserving and popularizing the folk traditions of Bihar, particularly the iconic “Chhath Mahaparv” songs, which are an essential part of the region’s cultural heritage.
Known as the “Bihar Kokila,” her voice became synonymous with the traditional celebrations of Chhath Puja, an annual festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God.
Sinha’s career spanned several decades, with her first notable performances dating back to the 1970s. She was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, and she had a lasting influence on the Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi folk music scenes.
Through her work, Sharda Sinha bridged the gap between regional and national music, earning admiration from all corners of the country.