Renowned Singer Sharda Sinha, A Padma Bhushan Recipient, Dies At 72

The renowned singer was admitted to AIIMS Delhi and was under treatment at the hospital’s oncology department since October 25.

Popular folk singer and Padma Bhushan awardee Sharda Sinha passed away this evening at the age of 72, following complications from cancer. She had been undergoing treatment at AIIMS Delhi in the oncology department since October 25.

Diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer affecting the bone marrow, in 2017, Ms. Sinha was placed on a ventilator and ultimately succumbed to refractory shock due to septicemia.

Her son shared a heartfelt message, saying, “Your prayers and love will always be with mother. Chhathi Maiya has called her to her side.”

Popular folk singer and Padma Bhushan awardee, Sharda Sinha, died this evening due to complications arising out of cancer. She was 72. The renowned singer was admitted to  AIIMS Delhi and was under treatment at the hospital’s oncology department since October 25.

In 2017, She was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of cancer that affects the bone marrow. Ms Sinha was on a ventilator and died of refractory shock as a result of septicemia. 

Her son, in a post, said “Your prayers and love will always be with mother. She has been called by Chhathi Maiya to her side.”

“The echo of her melodious songs associated with the great festival of faith, Chhath, will always remain,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Ms Sinha, expressing his condolences.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed condolences and said, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of Shrimati Sharda Sinha ji. She was a multi-talented folk singer who made Bhojpuri language popular among the masses. People will remember her songs for a long time. With her demise, the world of folk music has lost an influential voice. In this hour of grief, I express my condolences to her bereaved family and fans. Om Shanti!”

“I am deeply saddened by the demise of Sharda Sinha ji, who gave new heights to Indian music with her melodious voice for more than five decades. Sharda Sinha ji, famous as Bihar Kokila, made Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs popular among the masses and kept mesmerizing the film world as a playback singer,” Home Minister Amit Shah said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been closely monitoring Sharda Sinha’s condition, AIIMS Delhi shared in an earlier post. Union Health Minister JP Nadda visited the hospital last night to check on Ms. Sinha and spoke with senior health officials, instructing them to ensure she received the best possible care. Sources also indicate that he spoke with Ms. Sinha’s son, Anshuman.

Sharda Sinha, a celebrated figure in Indian music, was one of Bihar’s most iconic musicians. She made an indelible mark with her songs in Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Magahi, particularly known for her beloved Chhath festival songs. Until recently, she continued to perform at Chhath events, a testament to her enduring legacy in folk music.

Her contributions also extended to Bollywood, where she sang in popular films such as Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Kaun. In Anurag Kashyap’s acclaimed film Gangs of Wasseypur, her song Taar Bijli gained immense popularity. A recipient of the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, she was also awarded the Padma Shri in 1991 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her contributions to Indian music.

She lost her husband, Braj Kishore Sinha, weeks ago after he suffered a brain haemorrhage due to a fall. They celebrated their 54th anniversary earlier this year.