NEW DELHI: Veteran folk singer Sharda Sinha, a beloved figure in Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi folk music, passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 72 while undergoing treatment at AIIMS Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over her passing, honouring her legacy and impact on Indian folk music, especially her contributions to the Chhath Puja festivities.
He shared a heartfelt tribute to Padma Bhushan singer on X, writing, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha ji. Her Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs have been very popular for the last several decades. The echo of her melodious songs associated with the great festival of faith, Chhath, will always remain. Her demise is an irreparable loss for the music world. My condolences are with her family and fans in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!”

Sinha’s health had been closely monitored after complications from multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. She had been on ventilator support at the intensive care unit of AIIMS’ Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, with her condition deteriorating in recent days.
AIIMS confirmed her passing at 9:20pm, citing “refractory shock as a result of septicemia” as the cause.
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar also paid tribute to Sinha, whom he called “Bihar Kokila” (Bihar’s Nightingale).
He highlighted her impact across Maithili, Bajjika, Bhojpuri, and Hindi music and remembered her as a cultural icon who brought folk traditions to the national stage. “Her melodious songs during Chhath festival reverberate across the country, especially in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh,” he said, calling her passing an “irreparable loss” for Indian music.

Renowned for popular folk songs such as “Kartik Maas Ijoriya” and “Koyal Bin,” Sinha was also known in Bollywood for her performances in Gangs of Wasseypur-II with “Taar Bijli” and “Babul” from Hum Aapke Hain Kaun.
Her death coincided with the start of Chhath Puja, a Hindu festival with which she was closely associated through her music, leaving an enduring legacy celebrated by fans across generations.