Sharda Sinha's Bollywood Songs: How 'Bihar Kokila' Brought Folk Music To Hindi Cinema

Sharda Sinha Death: Kwn for her soulful renditions that marked beginning of Chhath Puja festivities every year, Sharda Sinha aka Bihar Kokila passed away in New Delhi on vember 5. For her contribution to music, Sinha was awarded Padma Shri in 1991 and Padma Vibhushan in 2018. Beyond folk music, Sinha also ventured into Bollywood and sang songs in some popular films, including Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Maine Pyar Kiya and ors.

Sharda Sinha's soulful voice travelled beyond Bihar

Sharda Sinha was most famous for her Chhath songs. As festival date arrived, her music flooded air with festive vibes. For many, her voice was synymous with Chhath Puja. Sinha's songs were t just limited to Chhath though. She also sang songs for marris, mundan, scared thread ceremonies, vidaai and funeral. Such was her magic that her songs also featured in popular Bollywood films, reflecting power of folk music.

She sang song Kahe Toh Se Sajna in Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). She also added her folk magic to Anurag Kashyap's Gangs of Wasseypur with song Taar Bijli, which was a wedding track. Sinha’s voice in Hum Aapke Hain Koun song Babul Jo Tum Ne Sikhaya, a vidaai me song, left many teary-eyed. Additionally, she crooned Kaun Si Nagaria for Bollywood film Chaarfutiya Chhokare.  

Bihar Kokila's passing leaves a void that can never be filled

People from around world who grew up listening to Sharda Sinha's Chatth songs prayed to Chhathi Maiya for her recovery when she was admitted to AIIMS. But, she could t survive. She, however, recorded a song marking this year's Chhath Puja. track titled Dukhva Mitaai Chhathi Maiya was released by her son Anshuman Sinha a few days back. However, video was t recorded due to Sinha's ill health. It is being considered her swansong.