New Delhi [India], November 6 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday paid tribute to the legendary folk singer Sharda Sinha, who recently passed away in the national capital.
"The demise of Bihar Kokila, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan awardee Sharda Sinha ji is deeply saddening. She was a celebrated folk singer who lent her voice to Maithili, Bajjika, Bhojpuri, and Hindi songs, as well as to many Hindi films. The melodious songs sung by the late Sharda Sinha ji for the Chhath festival resonate across India, especially in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Her passing has left an irreplaceable void in the world of music. I pray for her soul's eternal peace and strength for her family and fans in this time of sorrow," Nitish Kumar posted on X.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences on the passing of Sharda Sinha, recognising her enduring contribution to Bhojpuri and Maithili folk music. He said, "The echo of her melodious songs will endure forever." He added that her death is an "irreparable loss" for the music world.
In a social media post on X, PM Modi wrote, "I am deeply saddened by the demise of renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha ji. Her Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs have been beloved for decades. The echo of her beautiful songs, especially those connected to the sacred Chhath festival, will remain forever. Her loss is immeasurable for the music world. My thoughts are with her family and fans in this moment of grief. Om Shanti!"
Sharda Sinha, renowned for her soulful Chhath songs, passed away on Tuesday after battling multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, for several years.
The Padma Bhushan awardee had been receiving treatment at AIIMS Hospital in New Delhi since her admission on October 27.
A veteran in music since the 1970s, Sharda Sinha contributed profoundly to Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi folk music. She was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2018 and had also received a National Film Award for her contributions to regional cinema.