Sharda Sinha: Memories Of A Legend
Popularly known as Bihar Kokila(The Cuckoo of Bihar) and Begum Akhtar of Mithila, Sharda Sinha is no more. A golden period of folk songs has concluded with the departure of this titan.Born in Supaul District of Bihar on 1st October,1952, she breathed her last on 5th November 2024 at the age of 72 at AIIMS, New Delhi.
Suffering from multiple Myeloma, she did not lose heart.Rather, she had the audacity to record a song from hospital bed. Having a unique and sweet voice and style, she was a famous singer of Indian folk music, specializing in Bhojpuri, Maithili, Magahi and Hindi songs.But it was her rendition of Chhath devotional songs which gave her maximum publicity & following. She also sang a few Ghazals,Holi and marriage songs. Gradually, through her eight hourly daily ‘riyaz’, she became very popular in the country and abroad.
Significance of Chhath
In her long and illustrious career, she sang 62 Chhath songs. Undoubtedly, through these she attempted to save and promote rich culture and tradition of Bihar.When people of state working or studying outside the state would hear her Chhath songs, they would be tempted to visit the state during the Chhath festival, which has taken the shape of a Maha-Parv now.
Early Life
She made her singing debut in the courtyard of her paternal house.Through a song she had to ask for some offering(Neg)from her newly married brother.Her right was understandable as she was the only sister to eight brothers. An improved version of the ” Neg” song was converted to a record by H.M.V. Encouraged by her positive Father, she received her initial lessons in singing from Pandit Ramchandra Jha and Pandit Raghu Jha.
Break In Hindi Films
Upon getting a foothold on classical music , she tried her hand at folk songs in Bhojpuri and Maithili. Her singing of 8 songs based on lyrics of Vidyapati gave her instant publicity. It drew the attention of the famous filmmaker Tara Chand Barjatya, who wrote to her conveying his intention of giving her a break in Hindi films. Her song ” Kahe Tose Sajna, Ye Tohri Sajania” ,re written by Asat Bhopali for the film Maine Pyar Kiya turned out to be a memorable hit.
Auditions Amidst Hurdles
She actually became known and more popular owing to her participation in Basant Mahotsav at Allahabad, wherein she sang many songs based on the theme of Spring season.
Her success in H.M.V. audition at Lucknow and recording of her song by T-Series gave her the necessary impetus to sing further, far and wide.Her singing journey 50 years ago in a society, wherein women generally were not allowed to sing and perform in public, was not easy. But she was determined to go up and up even when her mother in law vehemently opposed her singing.Soon she became a heart throb of masses.
FAMOUS CHHATH SONGS of Sharda Sinha are:
a) Supawo Na Mile Maai,
b) Pahil pahil Chhathi Maiya,
c)Kelwa Ke Paat Par Ugalan Suraj Mal Jhake Jhuke,
d)Hey Chhathi Maiya,
e)Ho Dinanath,
f)Bahangi Lachkat Jai,
g)Roje Roje Ugelaa,
h)Suna Chhathi Mai,
i) Jode Jode Supawa and
j) Patna Ke Ghat Par.
More Film Songs
Together with her normal folk songs, she began singing in Bhojpuri films. Also in four more Hindi films she got an opportunity to sing.These were:
Gangs of Wasseypur 2( Tar Bijli),Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (Babul Jo Tumne Sikhaya) Charrfutiya Chhokare( Kaun Si Nagaria) and Deswa.
Due to these developments ,many musicians and singers used to share a special bond with this legendary vocalist.
Sharda Sinha was a regular artist at functions abroad and Chhath Puja festivities at home. Her deep voice would echo everywhere. The veteran folk singer said once “Folk music and Hindi film music compliment each other. Also folk music gets benefited by film compositions”.
She performed with command when Navin Ramgoolam, the Prime Minister of Mauritius visited Bihar.
Awards
During her illustrious career, she was awarded Padma Shri in 1991, Sangit Natak Akademi Award in 2000 and conferred with Padma Bhushan(third highest civilian Honour) in 2018.
Prime Minister, Sri Narendra Modi paid his tribute to the Veteran folk singer in this way ” A Goddess of vocal music, she knew our culture well.Bereft of her voice, Chhath and marriages would not be same. Chhathi Mata may give her a place in heaven.Om Shanti”.
Sudeep Banerjee, Music Composer felt that she was a true Goddess of Sound. The world will deeply miss one of the most exceptional voices in folk music.
Sharda Sinha has left this world forever but her songs will remain immortal for many years. An era has come to an end.Hope her son, daughter and disciples carry forward her tradition by following her foot steps.
Alok K.Shrivastava,
Ex-C.S.Govt.of Sikkim
A very interesting and delectable read.Many unknown and lesser known nuggets about the kokila’s life and works brought to the fore.An apt and fitting obituary to the legendary folk singer.