Who is Sharda Sinha? Padma Bhushan Awardee Bhojpuri singer on life support

Last updated:Oct 28, 2024 3:08 PM IST

A legend of folk music, Sharda Sinha is also known for her Bollywood hits including songs in Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Gangs of Wasseypur.

Sharda Sinha has dedicated her life to folk music. (Photo credits: Instagram)

Folk music legend Sharda Sinha, 72, is reportedly on life support at AIIMS-Delhi after complications related to cancer. A Padma Bhushan award winner, she has been receiving care in the hospital’s oncology department since her diagnosis with multiple myeloma, a form of cancer that affects the bone marrow, in 2017. After treatment in Delhi, Sharda Sinha was admitted to the hospital on October 26 admitted after a sudden deterioration in her health. According to several reports, she was initially in intensive care, but when her condition worsened, doctors put her on a ventilator.

Sharda Sinha’s husband Braj Kishore Sinha recently died of a brain haemorrhage following a fall. Earlier this year they celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary.

Who is Sharda Sinha?

Sharda Sinha is a beloved and renowned folk artist, celebrated for her contributions to Bollywood music.

Hailing from Bihar, Sinha has dedicated her life to the preservation of folk music, mainly singing in Maithili and Bhojpuri. She started her career with traditional songs and later became a major presence in Hindi cinema. One of her notable performances was a song she sang for Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam during his visit to Bihar.

In Bihar, Sharda Sinha’s music is iconic, with songs in Maithili, Bhojpuri and Magahi. Her voice has become synonymous with Chhath Puja, and her performances at these events were a staple until recent years. Besides her folk roots, she is also known for her Bollywood hits, including songs in Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur.

Her Bollywood repertoire includes hits like Kahe Toh Se Sajna from Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), Taar Bijli in Gangs of Wasseypur Part 2 and Kaun Si Nagaria from Chaarfutiya Chhokare. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Padma Shri in 1991 and the Padma Bhushan in 2018. She also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

Sharda Sinha has two children, Anshuman and Vandana.

Her son Anshuman Sinha posted a video on her Instagram and informed fans that while his mother’s condition is critical, she is not on a ventilator. He added that she is conscious and responsive, although visitation is limited.