Folk Singer Sharda Sinha passed away at AIIMS Delhi on Tuesday. She was on ventilator support for last few days. Known for her Chhath songs, the Padma Bhushan recipient has been fighting multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, since 2018. Anshuman Sinha, her son, who had been sharing updates on her health on social media, confirmed the news on Instagram.
With a photo of Sharda Sinha from her official Instagram handle, Anshuman wrote in Hindi, "Your prayers and love will always remain with my mother. Chhathi Maiya has called her to herself. She is no longer with us in physical form (loosely translated in English)."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day reached out to the family of Sharda Sinha to inquire about her health and offered all necessary assistance for her ongoing treatment.
The celebrated artist, known for her soul-stirring folk renditions during the Chhath festival, was critically ill and was receiving care at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. Sharda Sinha, a veteran of the music scene since the 1970s, has contributed immensely to Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi folk music. Her work was recognised with the Padma Bhushan in 2018, and she has also been honoured with a National Film Award for her contributions to regional cinema.
Sharda Sinha, 72, was battling multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, since 2018. Her condition worsened on Monday, leading to her being placed on a ventilator.
According to an official statement from AIIMS, the singer is "harmodynamically stable but under constant monitoring."
Her son, Anshuman Sinha, has kept the fans informed about his mother's health, sharing updates through social media and media outlets.
The folk singer's decline in health has sparked widespread concern among her fans and well-wishers. Known for her contributions to the traditional folk music of Bihar and her iconic Chhath geet, Sharda Sinha is considered a cultural ambassador of the region.
Over the years, her voice has become synonymous with the Chhath festival, which is widely celebrated in Bihar and other parts of North India.
Sinha's illustrious career began in the 1970s and she went on to achieve national recognition for her work in Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi folk music.
Her famous songs like 'Babool' from 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!' earned her not just fame but also critical acclaim.
In 2018, she was honoured with the prestigious Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, for her contribution to the arts. She has also won a National Film Award, cementing her legacy as one of the leading voices in regional cinema.
