The Indian music industry is in grief following the death of legendary folk vocalist Sharda Sinha on Tuesday, November 5, at the age of 72. Sinha, known for her mesmerising performances of folk melodies, particularly during the Chhath festival, died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, where she was being treated for a grave illness.
Sharda Sinha has been battling multiple myeloma, a kind of blood cancer, since 2018. Her health has deteriorated substantially in recent days, and she was put on a ventilator after it worsened on Monday. According to a statement provided by AIIMS, the iconic artist died on Tuesday about 9:20 p.m. from refractory shock caused by septicaemia.
The news of her death has sent shockwaves through the music community, with tributes coming in from all around India. Sharda Sinha, also known as the "Bihar Kokila" (the Cuckoo of Bihar), was more than just a singer; she was a voice of the people, bringing Bihar's rich cultural history to audiences across the country and beyond. Her passionate performances of Chhath songs, which are closely associated with Bihar's annual Chhath Puja celebration, become anthems for millions. Songs like 'Chhath Geet' and 'Vivah Geet' have become staples of the folk music repertoire, conveying devotion, nostalgia, and celebration.
Sharda Sinha received several important prizes in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Indian music. Her talents to music earned her the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honours, in 1991. On the eve of Republic Day 2018, she received the Padma Bhushan, the country's third-highest civilian award.
Sharda Sinha's influence extended beyond borders. Though she sang largely in Maithili and Bhojpuri, her powerful voice and emotive delivery made her popular not only in Bihar, but throughout India. Her song touched the heart and spirit of rural India, and she became a cultural icon for the region. Her songs, particularly those performed during the Chhath festival, are regarded as an essential component of the festivities, inextricably linked to the festival's rites and traditions.
As news of her death spread, many people, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, conveyed their sympathies. PM Modi reached out to her family during this difficult time to provide support and comfort, highlighting Sharda Sinha's legacy. "Her music will forever be a source of inspiration for generations," he wrote in a statement.
The death of Sharda Sinha symbolises the end of an era in Indian folk music. Her voice, which has moved millions of people, will live on in the thoughts of those who grew up listening to her powerful and evocative melodies. Though she is no longer with us, her music will endure as a living testament to her artistry and the culture she so beautifully represented.
Rest in peace. Sharda Sinha.
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