Indian folk singer Sharda Sinha dies at 72 after a battle with cancer

Famous Indian folk singer Sharda Sinha passed away on Tuesday due to medical complications arising from cancer, Indian media reported.

The 72-year-old singer had been admitted for treatment at AIIMS-Delhi since October 25 of this year. The hospital stated that Sharda Sinha passed away at 9:20 pm due to refractory shock.

According to AIIMS, the refractory shock resulted from septicemia, which the late folk singer Sharda Sinha had been suffering from. Prominent Bollywood figures and political leaders are offering their condolences for her passing.

The son of the late Indian folk singer shared the heartbreaking news of her passing on social media, expressing that her prayers and love will always be with them. He mentioned that she has been called by Goddess Chhathi Maiya and is no longer physically with them.

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A post shared by Sharda Sinha (@shardasinha_official)

In his condolence statement, PM Narendra Modi said, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of renowned folk singer Sharda Sinhaji. Her Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs have been popular for the last several decades.”

“The echo of her melodious songs associated with the Chhath festival will always remain. Her passing is an irreparable loss for the music world. My condolences are with her family and fans in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!” said PM Modi.

सुप्रसिद्ध लोक गायिका शारदा सिन्हा जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। उनके गाए मैथिली और भोजपुरी के लोकगीत पिछले कई दशकों से बेहद लोकप्रिय रहे हैं। आस्था के महापर्व छठ से जुड़े उनके सुमधुर गीतों की गूंज भी सदैव बनी रहेगी। उनका जाना संगीत जगत के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। शोक की इस… pic.twitter.com/sOaLvUOnrW

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 5, 2024

According to the late singer’s son, Anshuman, PM Modi had been continuously monitoring her medical condition. Indian Health Minister JP Nadda visited AIIMS last night to check on her condition and offer any possible help.

Sharda Sinha is widely recognized and famous for popularizing Maithili folk songs. She had a distinctive voice that resonated with the cultural heritage of the Indian state of Bihar. She grew up in a family deeply rooted in music and began singing at an early age, continuing this passion until her death.

Having received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri Award in 2018, Sharda Sinha’s contributions to the arts and folk music were recognized not only in India but worldwide, as she represented the culture of Bihar on national and international platforms, promoting Maithili.

Regarding her songs, “Bihar Ke Lala” and “Jab Hamar Siayan Ghar Aai” were so famous that they earned her great respect and recognition, among many other songs. Her music often explores themes of love, longing, and rural life.