Dr. Sharda Sinha, affectionately known as “Bihar Kokila” and “Swar Kokila”, was a legendary Indian folk and classical singer who left an indelible mark on India’s cultural landscape. Known for her melodious renditions in Maithili, Bhojpuri, Magahi, and Hindi, she became a household name, especially for her iconic Chhath Puja songs. Her soulful voice not only graced local festivals but also crossed international boundaries, preserving and promoting Indian folk traditions on the global stage.
Sharda Sinha: Early Life and Musical Training
- Date of Birth: 1st October 1952
- Place of Birth: Hulas village, Supaul district, Bihar
Education:
- Master’s in Classical Vocal Music
- Ph.D. in Music
- Nritya Visharad in Manipuri Dance
- B.Ed.
Her formal training began under Pandit Raghu Jha and later continued with stalwarts like Pandit Sitaram Hari Dandekar and Panna Devi, a renowned contemporary of Begum Akhtar.
Sharda Sinha: Musical Journey and Contributions
Sharda Sinha’s musical journey started with the release of her Maithili composition “Dularua Bhaiya” in 1971. Over the years, she released numerous iconic albums such as:
- Piritiya
- Kekra Se Kahan Mile Jala
- Chhathi Maiya
- Bhajan Sagar
- Paniya Ke Jahaj
- Koyal Bin Bagiya
- Patna Se Baida
She elevated the folk music genre by combining deep cultural narratives with classical melodies, becoming a symbol of regional pride and national recognition.
Bollywood and Mainstream Popularity
Sharda Sinha brought folk music to mainstream Bollywood audiences with songs in films like:
- Maine Pyar Kiya – “Kahe Toh Se Sajna”
- Hum Aapke Hain Koun
- Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2 – “Taar Bijli”
- Kaagaz
- Chaarfutiya Chhokare
- Web series: Maharani-2 (special appearance)
Cultural Ambassador of India
Sharda Sinha represented Indian music in Mauritius, Suriname (1988 & 2003), Germany, Netherlands, Egypt, and other nations, acting as a cultural ambassador for India.
She also served as a Top Grade Artist at All India Radio and worked for over four decades as a music educator at Women’s College, Samastipur (L.N.M.U. Darbhanga).
Awards and Honours Won by Sharda Sinha
Over her lifetime, Sharda Sinha received numerous national and regional awards:
🥇 National Civilian Awards
- Padma Shri (1991) – For excellence in Indian music
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2000) – For lifetime achievement in folk music
- Padma Bhushan (2018) – For significant contributions to Indian culture
- Padma Vibhushan (2025, posthumously) – India’s second-highest civilian honor, awarded for her unmatched contribution to Indian folk music
Other Major Recognitions
- Folk Queen of Bharat
- Bihar Kala Puraskar
- Bhojpuri Ratna
- Mithila Vibhuti Samman
- Honorary D.Litt. by L.N.M.U. Darbhanga (2018)
Contribution to Chhath Puja Music
No festival in Bihar is complete without Sharda Sinha’s voice echoing during Chhath Puja. She released 62 Chhath songs across 9 albums, preserving Bihar’s religious and musical identity. Her comeback in 2016 with new Chhath songs after a decade-long break rekindled the devotional spirit of millions.
Personal Life and Death
- Husband: Brajkishore Sinha (passed away in 2024)
- Children: Two
- Date of Death: 5th November 2024
- Place of Death: New Delhi (due to cancer)
Despite personal challenges, Sharda Sinha remained devoted to music until the end, becoming a source of inspiration for generations.
Legacy of a Legend
Sharda Sinha’s music was more than melody—it was a cultural movement. She gave voice to Bihar’s traditions, rituals, and everyday life. Her songs remain immortal, a bridge between generations and a celebration of India’s folk heritage.
Conclusion:
Sharda Sinha won four major national awards (Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and posthumous Padma Vibhushan), along with numerous state and cultural accolades. Her voice will forever resonate in the soul of India, especially Bihar, as the eternal “Bihar Kokila.”
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