Sharda Sinha Age, Height, Family, Career, Net Worth, Lifestyle & Facts

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name Earned: Bihar Nightingale

Profession(s): Folk & Classical Singer, Retired Teacher

Date of Birth: 1 October 1952 (Wednesday)

Birthplace: Hulas, Raghopur, Supaul District, Mithila, Bihar, India

Age (at the time of death): 72 Years

Zodiac sign: Libra

Nationality: Indian

Hometown: Hulas, Bihar

Religion: Hinduism

Caste: Kayastha

Marriage Date: 8 May 1970

Age: 72 Years

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EDUCATION

School: Govt Girls high School Bankipur, Bihar

College/University: • Magadh Mahila College, Bihar • Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Prayagraj, Allahabad • Govt. Teacher’s Training College, Samastipur

Educational Qualification(s): • Graduation from Magadh Mahila College • B.Ed. from College of Education, Samastipur • Masters in Music from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad

PHYSICAL STATISTICS

Height (approx.): 5′ 1″ (155 cm)

Eye Colour: Black

Hair Colour: Black

FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS

Marital Status (at the time of death): Widow

Husband/Spouse: Dr. Braj Kishore Sinha (professor at the Science College of Samastipur; died on 22 September 2024 due to brain hemorrhage)

Children: Son – Anshuman Sinha (folk singer) Daughter – Vandana Sinha Bharadwaj (folk singer)

Parents: Father – Sukhdev Thakur (Joint Director of Education of Bihar) Mother – Homemaker

Siblings: Brother(s): 7 including Chidanand Sharma (elder brother who died at the age of 94) Sister: None

Husband: Braj Kishore Sinha

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Debut: • Maithili Album: Dwar Ke Chekai Nega (1971) • Hindi Film: “Kahe Toh Se Sajna” song from Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) • Hindi Web Series: “Nirmohiya” song from Maharani 2 (2021)

Awards: • 1991: Padma Shri Award for her contribution to music • 2001: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award • 2015: Cine Yatra Award by Bihar Government • 2018: Padma Bhushan Award by the Indian Government • 1 April 2022: Lok Nirmala Award- UP Sangeet Natak Academy by the Governor of Bihar Anandiben Patel • 27 January 2025: Padma Vibhushan (Art) (Bihar)

OTHER INFORMATION

Date of Death: 5 November 2024

Place of Death: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi

Death Cause: Refractory shock due to septicemia

Hobbies: Writing Songs, Dancing

Social Media: • Instagram • Facebook • Twitter • YouTube

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION

From a young age, Sharda Sinha was immersed in the vibrant melodies of her cultural heritage. Accompanying her grandmother to the auspicious Chhath Pooja, she found herself captivated by the enchanting Chhath songs sung by the women around her. This formative experience ignited her passion for music, setting her on a path that would intertwine her identity with the rich traditions of her roots. By the tender age of three or four, she was already composing music for poems, a testament to her innate talent and early connection with the art form. Participating in various religious programs in her village further nurtured her love for music, allowing her to explore the spiritual nuances embedded in song. She developed a particular affinity for the expressive Dadra Thumri genre, practicing diligently alongside the renowned singer Panna Devi, honing her skills and deepening her appreciation for this traditional style.

Sharda’s first public performance came during her elder brother’s wedding, where she sang the Maithili song “Dwar Ke Chekai Nega.” The praises she received from her relatives bolstered her confidence, yet her journey was not without its challenges. During a Durga Puja celebration in her village, she performed the Bhakti song “Jai Jagdishwari Mata Saraswati,” only to face criticism from the audience. However, her father’s unwavering support propelled her to continue pursuing her passion, leading to performances at various stage shows. While she was still in school, her talent caught the attention of her teacher, Hari Uppal, who recorded her singing with a tape recorder, marking an important milestone in her budding career.

Despite the obstacles she faced, including opposition from her mother-in-law after marriage, Sharda remained resolute in her aspiration to become a professional singer. While her mother-in-law’s disapproval often led to stressful situations, including a three-day fasting episode over one of Sharda’s performances, her father-in-law provided her with the necessary encouragement. Sharda’s journey took a pivotal turn when she traveled to Lucknow with her husband for an audition at HMV, where she faced rejection. Overwhelmed by disappointment, she consoled herself with kulfis, hoping to soothe her shattered spirits. Yet, the perseverance of her husband encouraged her to seek a second chance, which proved fortuitous when she met recording manager Murli Manohar Swaroop, leading to a pivotal audition witnessed by HMV’s general manager, Vikas Dubey.

Her dedication to music flourished throughout the 1980s, as she began singing folk songs across multiple languages, including Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Magahi. Sharda became especially well-known for her Chhath songs and traditional wedding music, captivating audiences with her distinctive voice. In addition to her folk repertoire, her album “Shraddhanjali” featured songs by the revered poet Vidyapati, further establishing her as a prominent figure in the music industry. In 2012, she lent her voice to the popular Hindi film “Gangs of Wasseypur,” singing “Taar Bijli Se Patle Hamare Piya,” and contributed to a range of projects with esteemed music labels like T-Series and Tips. Her work extended beyond mere performance; she actively engaged with her audience through her self-titled YouTube channel, showcasing her diverse musical talent.

As her career continued to evolve, Sharda faced health challenges, notably being diagnosed with COVID-19 symptoms in August 2020, amid rumors of her demise. These hardships only seemed to strengthen her resolve. In 2021, she expressed her frustration regarding the lack of promotion for her song “Sarkar Vidhwa Banaile” in the film “Kaagaz,” shedding light on the struggles artists often face in the industry. However, the emotional toll of her husband’s passing in September 2024 took a significant toll on her health, leading to her admission to AIIMS Hospital in Delhi. Tragically, on November 5, 2024, Sharda Sinha passed away, leaving behind a legacy that resonated deeply with her audience. Her mortal remains were returned to Patna and cremated with full state honors, a fitting tribute to a voice that had sung the soul of her culture for decades.

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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.