Sharda Sinha passes away at 72: Narendra Modi, Droupadi Murmu, Yogi Adityanath mourn the loss of legendary folk singer

Sharda Sinha, celebrated for her soulful Chhath songs, passed away on Tuesday, after battling multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer for several years. She was 72. The Padma Bhushan awardee had been undergoing treatment at AIIMS Hospital in New Delhi after being admitted on October 27.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on the passing of legendary folk singer Sharda Sinha, remembering her for her contributions to Bhojpuri and Maithili folk music. He shared on social media, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha ji. Her Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs have been very popular for the last several decades. The echo of her melodious songs associated with the great festival of faith, Chhath, will last forever. Her demise is an irreparable loss for the music world. My condolences are with her family and fans in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!"



President Droupadi Murmu also mourned Sinha’s death, calling the news "extremely sad." She acknowledged Sinha’s impact on Bihari folk music and noted how her songs are cherished worldwide, especially during Chhath Puja. President Murmu highlighted that Sinha was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2018 for her contributions to art.



She tweeted, "The news of the demise of Dr Sharda Sinha ji, a famous singer known as Bihar Kokila, is extremely sad. Sharda Sinha ji gained immense popularity in the music world by giving her melodious voice to Bihari folk songs in Maithili and Bhojpuri. Today, on the day of Chhath Puja, her melodious songs must be creating a divine atmosphere of devotion in the country and abroad. She was also awarded the Padma Bhushan in the field of art in the year 2018. Her melodious singing will remain immortal. I express my deepest condolences to her family and fans."



Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called Sinha’s passing an “irreparable loss” to the music industry, while Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi praised her unique voice that enriched Indian folk music. Delhi's Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena paid tribute to Sinha, calling her the “musical voice of Chhath.”



Sharda Sinha has been a music veteran since the 1970s and contributed immensely to Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi folk music. Her work was recognized with the Padma Bhushan in 2018, and she was also honoured with a National Film Award for her contributions to regional cinema.