Sharda Sinha
Sharda Sinha (1 October 1952 – 5 November 2024) was an acclaimed Indian folk and classical singer from Bihar. Known as the “Bihar Kokila,” she primarily sang in Maithili and Bhojpuri and was famous for her devotional Chhath songs. She received India’s top civilian honours, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and posthumously, the Padma Vibhushan, for her contribution to Indian music and culture.
Sharda Sinha 
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| File:Sharda Sinha 2018.jpg | |
| Sinha in 2024 | |
| Born | 01 October 1952 |
| Birthplace | Hulas, Bihar, India |
| Died | 05 November 2024 (aged 72) |
| Place of death | New Delhi, India |
| Resting place | Patna, Bihar, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Singer, folk singer, classical singer |
| Years active | 1980–2024 |
| Known for | Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs, Chhath devotional songs |
| Notable works | "Supawo Naa Mile Maai", "Pahile Pahil Chhathi Maiya", "Kelwa Ke Paat Par Ugalan Suraj Mal Jhake Jhuke", "Taar Bijli" (Gangs of Wasseypur 2) |
| Awards | Padma Shri (1991), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2000), Padma Bhushan (2018), Padma Vibhushan (posthumously, 2025) |
| Spouse(s) | Brajkishore Sinha (m. 1970; died 2024) |
| Children | Anshuman Sinha, Vandana Sinha |
| Parents | Sukhdev Thakur |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Website | |
== Early Life & Education == Sharda Sinha was born in Hulas village, Supaul district, Bihar, into a Bhumihar family. She was the only daughter among nine children of Sukhdev Thakur. She began singing Maithili folk songs at an early age and gradually expanded her repertoire to Bhojpuri, Magahi, and Hindi. She gained early recognition at events like the Basant Mahotsava in Allahabad.
Career
Sinha was renowned for her folk and devotional music. She performed extensively during Chhath Puja festivals and at cultural events in India and abroad. She also sang for Hindi and Bhojpuri films, including the songs “Kahe Toh Se Sajna” (Maine Pyar Kiya) and “Taar Bijli” (Gangs of Wasseypur Part 2). Over her career, she released nine albums featuring 62 Chhath songs, helping preserve and popularize traditional Bihari music.
Notable Works
Sharda Sinha’s notable works include her extensive collection of Chhath songs such as Supawo Naa Mile Maai, Pahile Pahil Chhathi Maiya, Kelwa Ke Paat Par Ugalan Suraj Mal Jhake Jhuke, and Hey Chhathi Maiya. She lent her voice to devotional and folk albums that remain integral to Bihar’s cultural festivals. She also contributed to popularizing Maithili and Bhojpuri folk music nationally and internationally.
Filmography
- Bhojpuri - Dumari Ke ho Phoolba - Piritiya (1987) - Koyal Bin - Kekra Se Kahan Mile Jala (1999)
- Hindi - Kahe Toh Se Sajna – Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) - Babul – Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994) - Taar Bijli – Gangs of Wasseypur 2 (2012) - Kaun Si Nagariya – Chaarfutiya Chhokare (2014)
Personal Life
Sharda Sinha married Brajkishore Sinha in 1970. They had two children, a son Anshuman and a daughter Vandana. Her husband passed away in September 2024. Sharda Sinha battled multiple myeloma from 2017 and passed away on 5 November 2024 in New Delhi at the age of 72. Her last rites were performed in Patna with full state honours.
Awards and Recognition
Sharda Sinha won many awards during her career, including the Padma Shri in 1991, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2000, the Padma Bhushan in 2018, and was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2025.
External Links
See also
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