Sharda Sinha, a famous folk singer from Bihar known for her Chhath songs, died on November 5 at the age of 72. She had been battling multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, since 2018. Sinha was taken to AIIMS Hospital in New Delhi on October 27 because her health was getting worse.

Her son, Anshuman Sinha, confirmed her death on Instagram. He shared a photo of her and wrote in Hindi, "Your prayers and love will always remain with my mother. Chhathi Maiya has called her to herself. She is no longer with us in physical form."

PM Modi pays tribute

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his sadness on X, saying, "Deeply saddened by the passing of the renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha Ji. Her Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs have been immensely popular for decades. Her melodious songs associated with the great festival of faith, Chhath, will continue to resonate forever. Her departure is an irreparable loss to the world of music. In this moment of grief, my heartfelt condolences are with her family and fans. Om Shanti!"

PM Modi has been closely taking updates on her health and staying in contact with the doctors. Earlier, Anshuman shared that the Prime Minister personally assured him of full support for his mother’s treatment.

Final song released ahead of Chhath

Sharda Sinha’s last song, Dukhwa Mitayin Chhathi Maiya, was released on November 4, just before Chhath 2024. This song became a special goodbye from the music legend.

Sharda Sinha’s journey as a folk singer

Supaul-born Sharda Sinha was widely known in her home state of Bihar and parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh for her beautiful folk songs. These songs were often sung during special occasions like Chhath Puja and weddings. Some of her most famous songs include "Chhathi Maiya Aayi Na Duaariya," "Dwar Chekai," "Patna Se," and "Koyal Bin."

Sinha studied literature at Patna University in the 1970s, where her friends and well-wishers encouraged her to follow her love for singing. She later earned a doctorate in music from Lalit Narayan Mithila University in Darbhanga, all while becoming a well-known folk singer.

Sinha's voice was also heard in the hit 1990s movie Maine Pyar Kiya. In the movie, her song "Kahe tose sajna" became famous for perfectly capturing the sadness of the movie’s main characters.