Renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha, a Padma Bhushan awardee, passed away at 72 due to complications from cancer. She had been undergoing treatment at AIIMS Delhi since October 25 for multiple myeloma. Sinha was a prominent figure in Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Magahi folk music and became famous for her songs associated with the Chhath festival.

She also contributed to Hindi films like Maine Pyar Kiya and Gangs of Wasseypur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Home Minister Amit Shah expressed condolences, praising her legacy. She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2024 and the Padma Shri in 1991. Recently, she lost her husband, Braj Kishore Sinha, who passed away after a fall.

अपनी मधुर आवाज़ से पाँच दशकों से अधिक समय तक भारतीय संगीत को नई ऊँचाई देने वाली शारदा सिन्हा जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुःखी हूँ।

बिहार कोकिला के रूप में प्रसिद्ध शारदा सिन्हा जी ने मैथिली और भोजपुरी लोकगीतों को जन-जन का कंठहार बनाया और पार्श्व गायिका के रूप में फिल्म जगत को…

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 5, 2024