Sharda Sinha (1 October 1952 – 5 November 2024) was an Indianfolk andclassical singer. Hailing fromBihar, she predominantly sang inMaithili andBhojpuri language[1] and is calledBihar Kokila, the cuckoo of Bihar.[2] Sinha has sung many folk songs including "Vivah Geet", "Chhath Geet". In 1991, she received thePadma Shri award for her contribution to music.[3] In 2000, she received theSangeet Natak Akademi Award for her contribution to the field of music.[4] She was awardedPadma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award, on the eve ofRepublic Day in 2018.[5][6] Sinha was posthumously awardedPadma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian award, on the eve of Republic Day in 2025.[7][8]
Sinha is known for herChhath-related devotional songs. She came out with two new songs on Chhath after a decade in 2018.[19] Her last album of devotional songs was released in 2006.[19]
In the songs – with lyrics such asSupawo Naa Mile Maai andPahile Pahil Chhathi Maiya – Sharda urged people to come to Bihar during Chhath.[19] Other Chhath songs played during the festival includeKelwa Ke Paat Par Ugalan Suraj Mal Jhake Jhuke,Hey Chhathi Maiya,Ho Dinanath,Bahangi Lachakat Jaaye,Roje Roje Ugelaa,Suna Chhathi Maai,Jode Jode Supawa andPatna Ke Ghat Par.[19] Though old, the songs are relevant and devotees play them every year.[19]
"High-handedness of music companies and lack of good lyrics had kept me away all this while," Sharda toldThe Telegraph on 3 November 2016.[19] "As these issues got addressed this year, I rendered my voice to the songs."[19] It took 20 days to shoot the songs, which were released on Diwali.[19]
The lyricist forSupawo Naa Mile Maai (5.57 minutes) is Hriday Narayan Jha and forPahile Pahil Chhathi Maiya (6.57 minutes) both Shanti Jain and Sharda.[19]Pahile Pahil... – produced by Neetu Chandra, Nitin Neera Chandra and Anshuman Sinha – was released under the banners of Swar Sharda (Sharda Sinha Music Foundation), Champaran Talkies and Neo Bihar.[19]Supawo Na Mile Maai has been released under the banner of Swar Sharda and produced by Anshuman.[19]
Sharda's last album on Chhath, Arag, had eight songs.[19] In her entire career, she has sung 62 Chhath songs in nine albums released by T-Series,His Master's Voice and Tips.[19]"Through these songs, I have tried my level best to save our rich culture and tradition," Sharda said.[19] "There is a urban contemporary feel so that people can relate to it."[19]
She married Brajkishore Sinha in 1970,[25] with whom she had a son, Anshuman and daughter, Vandana.[4][26] Husband Brajkishore died from a brain haemorrhage in September 2024.[27][28]
Sinha suffered frommultiple myeloma from 2017. On 5 November 2024, she was put on ventilator support atAIIMS Delhi.[29] She died later that night, at the age of 72.[30] Her last rites were performed on 7 November 2024 inPatna with full state honours.[31]
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