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

Sharda Sinha Death: Known for her soulful renditions that marked the beginning of Chhath Puja festivities every year, Sharda Sinha aka Bihar Kokila passed away in New Delhi on November 5. For her contribution to music, Sinha was awarded the 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 others.

Sharda Sinha's soulful voice travelled beyond Bihar

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

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

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

People from around the 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 not survive. She, however, recorded a song marking this year's Chhath Puja. The track titled Dukhva Mitaai Chhathi Maiya was released by her son Anshuman Sinha a few days back. However, the video was not recorded due to Sinha's ill health. It is being considered her swansong.