Late Singer Sharda Sinha Honoured With Padma Vibhushan By President Murmu
Renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha was posthumously conferred with the Padma Vibhushan by President Droupadi Murmu in recognition of her contributions to folk music. Fondly called the ‘Bihar Kokila’, she passed away at the age of 72.
Folk music icon Sharda Sinha was honoured with the esteemed Padma Vibhushan award posthumously by President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday.
She was recognised for her significant contributions to the field of arts—particularly in folk music. Her son accepted the award on her behalf.
Popularly known as ‘Bihar Kokila’, Sharda Sinha earned acclaim for her melodious renditions in Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi. Her Chhath songs, in particular, have left an enduring legacy.
Sharda Sinha passed away on November 5 due to complications arising from blood poisoning. She was 72 years old.
She had been undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. Her condition worsened on November 4, after which she was placed on a ventilator. She breathed her last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
Sharda Sinha: The Voice of Bihar
Her final Chhath release, Dukhwa Mitaai Chhathi Maiya, remained popular among her fans even after her demise, who mourned her loss deeply during the festival.
Sharda Sinha began her musical education at Magadh Mahila College and Prayag Sangeet Samiti, later earning a PhD in music from Lalit Narayan Mithila University.
Revered as the “Nightingale of Bihar” for her soulful voice, she was often compared to the late Lata Mangeshkar, known as the “Nightingale of India.”
In 1989, she sang Kahe Tose Sajna for the hit film Maine Pyar Kiya, for which she was paid just ₹76.
She went on to sing Babul for the film Hum Aapke Hain Kaun starring Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit. However, she eventually distanced herself from playback singing in films.
Her decision was partly influenced by her mother-in-law’s opposition to her singing career, including devotional music and bhajans. Despite this, she continued to receive solid support from her husband and father-in-law.
Years later, she returned to Bollywood music, lending her voice to Bijli Se Patle in Gangs of Wasseypur and Kaun Si Nagariya in the 2014 film Charfutiya Chhokre, written by Bhikhari Thakur.
Over her illustrious career, Sharda Sinha recorded 62 Chhath songs across nine albums, released by labels like T-Series, HMV, and Tips.
She began her musical journey in 1971 and was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1991 and the Padma Bhushan in 2018.
