Veteran singer Sharda Sinha has been admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences after her health condition deteriorated on Monday. The 72-year-old is on ventilator support and under doctors’ observation, battling for her life. Her son, Anshuman Sinha, shared the details and requested fans to pray for his mother’s health and recovery. For the unversed, Sharda has been suffering from Multiple Myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, since 2018.
The Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee is popularly known for her contribution to folk music, with a special focus on Bhojpuri, Maithili and Magahi songs. With several chart-topping tracks to her credit, Sinha’s powerful vocals and emotive renditions have become synonymous with the festive spirit of Chhath Puja. Owing to this, she is widely known as ‘Bihar Kokila’ or ‘Cuckoo of Bihar.
In her entire career, Sharda has given a total of 62 Chhathi Maiya songs that are part of nine albums released by big labels such as T-Series, HMV, and Tips. However, among her most popular melodies is the 2016 hit ‘Pahele Pahil Hum Kayeni Chhath,’ which brought tears to listeners’ eyes, reminding people of their loved ones. The song was released after a decade and became an instant hit. It was played in every household to celebrate the spirit of Chhath.
Other popular Chhath songs include ‘Supawo Naa Mile Maai,’ ‘Kelwa Ke Paat Par,’ ‘Ho Deenanath,’ ‘Hey Chhathi Maiya,’ and ‘Jhilmil Paiya Mein.’
Talking about her love for these songs and how she manages to make them relatable to today’s audience, Sharda had said, “Through these songs, I have tried my level best to save our rich culture and tradition. There is an urban contemporary feel so that people can relate to it.”
Sharda ensures releasing at least one song every year; however, things did not go as planned due to her poor health. The legendary singer had recorded a song titled ‘Dukhwa Mitayin Chhathi Maiya’ before she was admitted to the hospital 10 days ago. She was also planning to shoot a video for the same, but she could not due to her failing health, leaving fans worried and upset. Looking at the situation, Anshuman edited a video and released it while Sharda was in the hospital. The song is now going viral on the internet.
Watch the video here:
What is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is a popular festival of India, majorly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. It is dedicated to Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Devi (Shashti) – believed to be the sister of the Sun. Devotees also worship the setting and rising Sun by offering Arghya to Lord Surya while standing in a water body. Celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartika, the festival brings people together, who fast for four consecutive days, without consuming food or water.
