Patna: ‘All your prayers and love will always be with mother. Chhathi Maiya has called the mother to herself. Mother is no longer physically among us. This post on the ex of Swar Kokila Sharda Sinha’s son Anshuman Sinha filled everyone with grief. Folk singer Sharda Sinha, honored with Padma Bhushan and Padmashree, breathed her last at AIIMS, Delhi. She was admitted in AIIMS for the last several days. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also called Anshuman Sinha and asked him to be patient. He had inquired about the health of Sharda Sinha.
Sharda Sinha passes away in Delhi
Sharda Sinha’s husband Dr. Brij Kishore Sinha died just one and a half month ago due to brain hemorrhage. Sharda Sinha was very sad after the death of her husband. His health was also affected. Recently, his son Anshuman Sinha released a video on social media and shared updates related to his health. According to media reports, Sharda Sinha was suffering from various health problems since 2018. He also had blood cancer. Apart from folk songs, Sharda Sinha also spread her magic in film songs. A few years ago, he had also recorded a song for Anurag Kashyap’s famous film ’Gangs of Wasseypur’.
Who is Sharda Sinha, who sings this song ‘Kelwa Ke Paat Par…’ which has become the identity of Chhath festival?
Became popular with Chhath song
During Chhath, the great festival of folk faith, Sharda Sinha’s songs resonate in the streets and Chhath ghats. Sharda Sinha’s Chhath songs are definitely played in every house. Sharda Sinha was born on October 01, 1952 in Hulas, Raghopur, Supaul district of Bihar. His in-laws house is in Sihama village of Begusarai district. He started his career by singing Maithili folk songs. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2018 and the Padma Shri in 1991. Sharda Sinha also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
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Got fame through folk songs
Apart from Maithili and Bhojpuri, Sharda Sinha has sung Hindi songs. The songs sung by him in films like Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Gangs of Wasseypur became quite popular. The collections of songs sung by him are quite famous even today. Now people listen to them in digital form. His songs are played everywhere on the occasion of festivals and Chhath festival. The songs sung by Sharda Sinha are often heard in wedding ceremonies and other concerts. Sharda Sinha started her career in the 1970s. He recorded many songs in Bhojpuri, Maithili and Hindi. The migration of unemployed people along with women always found a place in his songs.
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father helped
Sharda Sinha had shared many unheard things in her interview given to the English newspaper The Hindu in 2018. He had said that in his house his father, brothers and sisters used to give him complete freedom. His father was in the education department. He always said to do whatever comes to your mind. Do whatever you like. He had further told that father kept getting transferred. We always used to spend holidays in the village. I heard folk songs in the village. After that I became interested in it. He had also told the newspaper that he had started learning music from Pandit Raghu Jha in the sixth class itself. Raghu Jha was a well-known musician of Panchgachia Gharana.
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homely atmosphere
Sharda Sinha had told in her interview that initially she kept getting training in singing Sargam-Palta and Bhajan. His second guru was Ramchandra Jha, who was also from the Panch Gachhiya Gharana. Sharda Sinha’s father was an officer in the education department. Therefore, there was a very encouraging atmosphere at home. Sharda Sinha’s father Sukhdev Thakur inspired her to take dance and music lessons. Sharda Sinha also learned classical music. Sharda Sinha sang film songs along with devotional songs. The songs of Maine Pyar Kiya sung by him – Kahe Tose Sajna, Tohri Sajniya still come in the category of superhit.
Sharda Sinha’s popularity
When Sharda Sinha got married, she faced opposition from her in-laws for singing in Sihama village of Begusarai. His in-laws were not in favor of singing like this. Sharda Sinha was also asked to stay away from singing. Initially she got the support of her husband. After that his mother-in-law helped. After that Sharda Sinha continued singing folk songs in a rustic style. He did not look back after that. Many folk singers came contemporaries of Sharda Sinha, but no one got the recognition that Sharda Sinha got and the fame that Sharda Sinha got in every household.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Music Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good evening, everyone. Today, we are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha, who left an indelible mark on the music world, especially during the Chhath festival. To discuss her legacy and impact, I have with me music expert Dr. Aditi Sharma. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Sharma.
Dr. Aditi Sharma (DAS): Thank you for having me. It’s indeed a tragic loss for the music community and fans alike.
TNE: Sharda Sinha was not only a celebrated folk singer but also a two-time Padma awardee. What do you think set her apart in the world of music?
DAS: Her ability to connect with the roots of Indian folk traditions is what truly set her apart. Sharda Sinha’s music resonated deeply, especially among those celebrating cultural festivals, like Chhath. Her songs weren’t just melodies; they were expressions of faith, emotions, and stories passed down through generations.
TNE: Absolutely. Her rendition of “Kelwa Ke Paat Par…” has become synonymous with the Chhath festival. Can you elaborate on how her music contributes to the rituals and celebrations surrounding this festival?
DAS: Certainly! Chhath is a festival that celebrates the sun god and the essence of nature, and folk songs have a special role. Sharda’s songs, rich in cultural significance, create a spiritually uplifting atmosphere during the festivities. Families play her songs at homes and ghats, creating a legacy that binds the community in celebration. Her music embodies devotion, which is integral to the essence of Chhath.
TNE: It’s interesting how music can serve as a cultural touchstone. Sharda Sinha’s journey started from a small village in Bihar. What do you think her early life and background contributed to her music?
DAS: Her formative years in Hulas and the musical influences from her village certainly shaped her artistic trajectory. The freedom and support she received from her family, particularly her father, who encouraged her to explore her interests, played a pivotal role. She drew inspiration from the folk traditions around her, which enriched her repertoire and authenticity.
TNE: It’s often said that her personal experiences, especially the recent loss of her husband, affected her health and emotions. Do you think such personal tragedies influenced her art?
DAS: Without a doubt. Personal experiences often translate into art. The grief she endured likely infused her later works with deeper emotions that listeners could resonate with. Artists often channel their struggles into their music, and for Sharda, this might have allowed her to connect with her audience on a more profound level—sharing both her pain and resilience.
TNE: Prime Minister Modi expressed his condolences, highlighting the impact Sinha had on the music world. How do you see her influence continuing in the future?
DAS: Sharda Sinha’s influence will undoubtedly live on. Her songs have a timeless quality, and as long as families celebrate Chhath, her music will be played. Additionally, with the growth of digital platforms, her songs continue to reach new audiences, ensuring her legacy endures.
TNE: It’s fascinating how a singer’s work can transcend time and space. As we remember Sharda Sinha, what do you think is her most significant legacy that aspiring artists can learn from?
DAS: One key aspect of her legacy is the importance of staying true to one’s roots. Aspiring artists should understand the value of their cultural heritage and the stories embedded within it. Sharda Sinha didn’t just sing; she told stories, highlighted social issues, and maintained a strong connection to her identity. This authenticity is invaluable in the world of music.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for sharing your insights with us today. Sharda Sinha’s legacy is indeed a rich tapestry woven with her songs, her culture, and her heart. We hope her music continues to inspire future generations.
DAS: Thank you for having me. Let’s celebrate her life and the joy she brought to so many through her art.
TNE: Absolutely. Thank you for joining us, and to our viewers, let’s honor Sharda Sinha by listening to her music and celebrating the rich cultural heritage she represented.