Table of Contents
“Bihar Kokila Sharda Sinha: 5 Decades of Musical Excellence and Cultural Transformation”
Sharda Sinha, singer and Padma Bhushan recipient, dies
Bihar Kokila Sharda Sinha, popularly known as “Bihar Kokila”, was one of the most respected and celebrated figures of Indian folk music. With her demise, not only Bihar but the whole of India has lost a voice that brought folk music to the global stage. She died on November 5, 2024, at the age of 72 at AIIMS Hospital in New Delhi. For the past several years, she was suffering from multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer) and her health had deteriorated further in recent times. This article discusses in detail the life of Sharda Sinha, her musical journey, contribution, struggle, and the indelible impact she left behind.
Early life and musical journey
Sharda Sinha was born in Samastipur district of Bihar. Born in a simple rural family, Sharda was inclined towards music since childhood. She had such a deep connection with folk music that she made her mark by singing songs in regional dialects. Her singing reflected the simplicity and sweetness of the rural areas of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, which connected the listeners to her songs.
Her singing journey began with her own regional songs. Over time, she assimilated the tunes of folk songs in languages like Bhojpuri, Maithili and Magahi and popularized these languages through her songs. She kept her culture and traditions alive and her songs presented the folk life of Bihar in a musical way.
Chhath Festival and Identity of Bihar
Sharda Sinha’s name is associated with the songs of Chhath festival of Bihar. Chhath festival is a major festival of Bihar, in which the Sun God is worshiped. Her songs “Kelva Ke Pat Par” and “Hey Chhathi Maiya” sung on this occasion made her popular in every household. Her songs are especially sung during Chhath Puja, and it has become a tradition to listen to her songs on this festival every year. There was such a sweetness and power in her voice that it took the listeners to a different world.
Her songs reflect the culture and faith of Bihar. She made the songs of Chhath festival popular not only in India but also among the Biharis living abroad. The sweetness of her songs kept the tradition of Bihar alive and this festival seems incomplete without her songs.
Contribution in Bollywood
Sharda Sinha’s contribution was not limited to folk music only. She also spread the magic of her voice in Bollywood and sang songs for many famous films. She lent her voice to films like “Hum Aapke Hain Kaun”, “Gangs of Wasseypur 2” and “Maine Pyar Kiya”, which further increased her fame. There were emotions in her songs that made the listeners emotional.
The songs she sang for Bollywood also reflect the imprint of her regional style and culture. She never left her regional identity and engraved her cultural roots in every song. The sentimentality and simplicity in her songs touched the hearts of the listeners. In Bollywood too, she was recognized as a singer who was loyal to her cultural heritage.
Awards and Honors
Sharda Sinha has been awarded many awards for her musical contribution. In 2018, the Government of India honoured her with the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award given to Indian citizens. Earlier, she had also been awarded the Padma Shri. These honors not only gave a new identity to her musical journey but also established Indian folk music on the global stage.
Her contribution cannot be measured only by awards. The popularity of her songs in Bihar and North India and the magic of her voice were the biggest honor for her. Her songs were popular among people of all age groups, and her voice connected everyone who loves their culture and tradition.
Struggle and indomitable courage
Sharda Sinha’s life was full of struggles. In 2017, she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. This disease severely affected her health, but despite this she did not give up her singing. There were difficulties in her life, but she never gave up. Her strong willpower kept her dedicated to her music.
Her health deteriorated over the years, and recently she also lost her husband, who was an important support in her life. Even in these difficult circumstances, she maintained her devotion to her art and her music. Her last song “Dukhva Mitaiyain Chhathi Maiya” was released recently, which reflects her experience of all the hardships in life.
Her legacy in Indian folk music
The demise of Sharda Sinha is an irreparable loss for Indian folk music. Her departure has created a void that is hardly possible to fill. She not only gave a new identity to folk music but also worked to take it to the new generation. There was a simplicity and intimacy in her singing, which gave her a special place in the hearts of her listeners. Her voice touched the hearts of countless listeners, and her tunes became an invaluable legacy of folk music.
Tributes from PM and prominent personalities
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences on the demise of Sharda Sinha. He said that Sharda Sinha’s voice had a unique power that took Indian folk music to new heights. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and many other politicians, artists, and musicians also paid tribute to her and remembered her contribution.
Conclusion
Her demise has sent a wave of grief in the Indian folk music world. Her voice will always remain a source of inspiration for those who are striving to preserve their cultural heritage. Her music and the songs she sang will always live among us and her memories will always keep us connected through her music.
The demise of Sharda Sinha is not just the passing away of a famous singer, but the end of an entire era of Indian folk culture and folk music. The contribution she made in her life was not only an effort to preserve the cultural heritage of Bihar, but also to give a new identity to the multifaceted folk music of India. Her voice had the sweetness, seriousness, and depth that makes Indian music unique on the international stage.
Through her music, she took languages like Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi to new heights of popularity. Her unique style of singing and her dedication to traditional folk tunes make her one of the best folk artists of India. Her identity as the “Chhath ki Gayak” is revived every year during the Chhath festival with her immortal voice.
Sharda Sinha’s life is a symbol of struggle, courage, and unwavering love for culture. Her songs have left a deep mark of emotions in the hearts of crores of Indians. The void created by her demise will not be easy to fill. But, her music will always remain a source of inspiration for her fans and artists who want to take Indian folk culture forward.
Her voice and contribution is impossible to forget; her songs and music will remain the soul of Indian folk music for centuries. This unforgettable contribution of Sharda Sinha will remind generations to come how an artist can become immortal through their music and culture.