The passing of renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha, fondly known as ‘Bihar Kokila’ (the Nightingale of Bihar), has left the Indian music fraternity in deep mourning. Known for her rich, soulful voice and her extraordinary contribution to Indian music, Sharda Sinha’s death is being seen not just as the loss of an iconic voice, but as the end of an era that spanned decades of musical excellence. Sharda Sinha, who passed away at the age of 74, was celebrated for her contributions to both Hindi and Bhojpuri music. However, it was her work in mainstream Bollywood films that brought her national recognition. She was widely admired for her impeccable ability to adapt to a variety of musical genres, with her most notable works including songs from films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Maine Pyar Kiya. These songs are still cherished by millions, and Sharda’s voice continues to evoke nostalgia for an entire generation of music lovers. Born in 1950 in the small town of Bihar, Sharda Sinha’s early life was steeped in music. Coming from a family with a strong cultural background, she was introduced to music at a very young age. Her training in classical music laid the foundation for her extraordinary vocal abilities. She went on to master both Hindustani classical and folk music, making her one of the most versatile singers of her time. Sharda Sinha made her foray into the world of professional music with regional Bhojpuri songs, and she quickly became a household name in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Her mastery over folk music was unmatched, and her ability to evoke raw emotion through her voice made her a favorite in the heartlands of India. Her break into Bollywood, however, came with the 1994 blockbuster Hum Aapke Hain Koun directed by Sooraj Barjatya. She lent her voice to the famous song “Didi Tera Devar Deewana,” which became an instant hit. Her mastery over classical and semi-classical renditions allowed her to seamlessly adapt to the demands of Bollywood music, which required both commercial appeal and technical precision. Following this success, she was sought after for other film songs as well. Her contributions to Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), another iconic film directed by Sooraj Barjatya, were equally significant, solidifying her place as one of Bollywood’s most cherished playback singers. Songs like “Kabootar Ja Ja Ja” not only became chart-toppers but also became part of the film’s legacy. Sharda Sinha’s contribution to the music of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh cannot be overstated. She earned the title ‘Bihar Kokila’ (Nightingale of Bihar) for her remarkable work in folk music, particularly her renditions of traditional songs that celebrated the cultural richness of the region. She was one of the key figures in bringing Bhojpuri music to the national stage, and her efforts helped elevate regional folk music to mainstream attention.
Her style was characterized by a deep understanding of rural themes, and her songs often portrayed the lives, struggles, and aspirations of the common people in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Whether it was the folk songs celebrating festivals like Chhath Puja, or her poignant renditions of folk tales, Sharda Sinha’s music always resonated deeply with her audience. Her deep connection with the traditions of her home state and her ability to bring these folk themes into the modern world of cinema made her a cultural bridge between tradition and modernity. Sharda Sinha’s death has sent shockwaves through the Indian music industry. Musicians, composers, and playback singers from across the country have expressed their deep sorrow and heartfelt tributes. Many have referred to her passing as a personal loss, acknowledging the profound impact she had on their lives and careers. Veteran singer Udit Narayan, who worked with Sharda on several projects, described her as a “true legend” whose voice had the power to touch hearts. He said, “Her contribution to Indian music will always be remembered, not just for the songs she sang, but for the emotions she was able to evoke through her voice.” Narayan went on to emphasize how Sharda’s ability to effortlessly switch between Hindi and Bhojpuri music had been an inspiration to many young singers who sought to follow in her footsteps. Composer Anu Malik, who collaborated with Sharda Sinha on numerous tracks, recalled how she brought a unique charm to every project she worked on. Malik praised her versatility and commitment to every note she sang, noting that it was impossible to forget the magic she created in songs like “Didi Tera Devar Deewana” and “Kabootar Ja Ja Ja.” Folk music icon Gurdas Maan also paid tribute to Sharda, stating that her legacy would live on forever. Maan, who shares Sharda’s deep love for regional music, said that she had an unmatched ability to keep the spirit of rural music alive while seamlessly blending it with the demands of the film industry. “She was the soul of folk music in Bihar,” he added. Sharda Sinha’s contemporaries, as well as younger artists, have echoed similar sentiments. Many expressed how they felt personally connected to her music, and how it had shaped their own careers. Playback singer Sadhana Sargam, for instance, expressed her profound grief, saying that Sharda’s loss felt like losing a close family member. As tributes continue to pour in from across the country, it is clear that Sharda Sinha’s impact on Indian music will never fade. Her voice, which became synonymous with the cultural richness of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, will continue to echo in the hearts of millions. Her ability to seamlessly navigate between classical, folk, and commercial music gave her a unique place in the history of Indian music, one that transcends regional boundaries. Sharda Sinha’s legacy will live on not just through her timeless songs, but through the influence she had on generations of musicians and music lovers. Her unique ability to blend emotion, culture, and melody will remain a benchmark for future artists who aspire to bring Indian folk music to the global stage. As the music world mourns .
