Folk Singer & Padma Bhushan Recipient Sharda Sinha Loses Battle To Cancer

Popular folk singer Sharda Sinha, famous as 'Bihar Kokila', lost her battle with cancer on Tuesday at the age of 72.

Sharda was undergoing treatment at AIIMS-Delhi for multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.

Sharda pioneered and popularised the rich folk traditions of Bihar beyond its borders.

Sharda, a Padma Bhushan recipient, was synonymous with folk songs in Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Maghahi languages.

She was known for her melodious rendition of Chhath and folk songs such as "Kartik Maas Ijoriya", "Suraj Bhaile Bihaan" and Bollywood hits "Taar Bijli" and "Babul".

That Sinha, whose songs were an integral part of Chhath, died on the first day of the 4-day fest was a coincidence scripted by destiny perhaps.

PM Modi, who was monitoring her condition with the doctors and her family constantly, led the tributes to the artiste.

"The echo of her melodious songs connected with Chhat festival will always be there. Her demise is an irreparable loss..," the PM posted.

Sharda Sinha's last rites to be performed with full state honours, announced Bihar CM Nitish Kumar.