Sharda Sinha passes away: How rich was the Bihar Kokila? A look into her net worth, career, family, and more

Sharda Sinha¡¯s net worth, career, family and more: Renowned folk singer and Padma Bhushan awardee, Sharda Sinha, sadly passed away today at the age of 72. She had been receiving treatment at AIIMS Delhi¡¯s oncology department since 25 October, battling multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow. Her health took a critical turn, leading to septicemia and eventually causing refractory shock. Sinha was placed on ventilator support but, despite medical efforts, passed away peacefully in the hospital.

Her son, sharing the news on social media, expressed, "Your prayers and love will always be with mother. She has been called by Chhathi Maiya to her side." This heartfelt tribute captures her strong connection to the Chhath festival, a theme that was central to her musical legacy.

Sharda Sinha¡¯s Net Worth and Family

Sharda Sinha¡¯s net worth is estimated at around Rs 42 crore, as reported by NBT. She leaves behind her two children, Vandana and Anshuman Sinha. Her husband, Brajkishore Sinha, passed away earlier this year. Though specifics about her property division are unclear, it¡¯s thought that her children may inherit her assets unless otherwise specified by a will. The family has yet to release any formal information regarding this matter.

Tributes from National Leaders

?????????? ??? ?????? ????? ?????? ?? ?? ???? ?? ?????? ??? ??? ??? ???? ??? ?????? ?? ??????? ?? ?????? ????? ?? ????? ?? ???? ???????? ??? ???? ????? ?? ??????? ?? ?? ????? ???? ?????? ????? ?? ???? ?? ???? ??? ?????? ???? ???? ????? ??? ?? ??? ?? ??????? ????? ??? ??? ?? ??¡­ pic.twitter.com/sOaLvUOnrW

¡ª Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 5, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences, honouring Sharda Sinha¡¯s contribution to Indian folk music and stating, The echo of her melodious songs associated with the great festival of faith, Chhath, will always remain." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tribute, highlighting her role in popularising the Bhojpuri language and her influence in folk music. Expressing his sorrow, Home Minister Amit Shah acknowledged her five-decade career, noting how she lifted Indian music and earned the title "Bihar Kokila" due to her profound impact on folk music traditions.

Sharda Sinha¡¯s Early Life and Cultural Roots

Credit: Instagram/Sharda Sinha

Born in the village of Hulas in Bihar¡¯s Supaul district, Sharda Sinha was deeply rooted in her Bihari culture. Her in-laws hailed from Sihama village in Begusarai, and she came from a Bhumihar family. She started her music career by singing Maithili folk songs, and over time, she expanded her repertoire to include Bhojpuri, Magahi, and Hindi. She often performed during Chhath Puja festivities and sang for dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam, during his visit to Bihar.

Accolades and Recognition

Over the years, Sharda Sinha earned prestigious awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 2018, which is India¡¯s third-highest civilian honour. She had earlier been awarded the Padma Shri in 1991, along with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, marking her contributions to Indian folk music. Her enduring legacy remains influential in Indian music, particularly in Bihar.

Sharda Sinha's Career and Iconic Songs

Sharda Sinha made a significant impact in both folk and popular music. Her Chhath festival songs, such as 'Supawo Naa Mile Maai' and 'Pahile Pahil Chhathi Maiya', resonate with millions of devotees and are played during Chhath festivities each year. Though her last album, 'Arag', was released in 2006, she continued to connect with audiences, returning in 2018 with two new Chhath songs after a decade¡¯s break.

Her Bollywood contributions include songs like 'Kahe Toh Se Sajna' from 'Maine Pyar Kiya', which marked Salman Khan¡¯s debut, as well as 'Taar Bijli' from 'Gangs of Wasseypur Part II' and 'Kaun Si Nagaria' from 'Chaarfutiya Chhokare'. Her songs continue to bridge cultural and generational gaps, bringing traditional folk music into the limelight.

A Legacy That Endures

In an interview in 2016, Sinha expressed her desire to preserve rich cultural traditions through her music, blending an urban contemporary feel to keep them relatable. She released her latest Chhath songs under her own label, Swar Sharda, which were produced by her son, Anshuman. Sinha leaves behind a legacy of 62 Chhath songs spanning nine albums, released by T-Series, HMV, and Tips, that continue to be enjoyed by devotees and music lovers across generations.

A Remarkable Life and Lasting Impact

Sharda Sinha¡¯s life was filled with dedication to her art, her family, and her heritage. She performed for over five decades, bringing Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Magahi folk songs into mainstream music and adding her voice to Hindi cinema. Her legacy as one of Bihar¡¯s most celebrated musicians endures, remembered for her vibrant voice, her love for the Chhath festival, and her impact on Indian music.