By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Celebrated folk singer Padma Bhushan Sharda Sinha has been admitted to Delhi AIIMS, where she was placed on a ventilator on the evening of November 4 after her condition became critical. On the morning of November 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inquired about her health, extending his wishes for her recovery to her son, Anshuman Sinha, during a phone call. PM Modi assured that no efforts would be spared in her treatment.
Since Tuesday morning, false rumours about her demise have circulated on social media. Anshuman Sinha, her son, clarified the situation, stating, “My mother is on a ventilator. Do not believe the false news.” He affirmed that a dedicated team of doctors is monitoring her closely, and he has been with her, communicating through eye gestures.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Chirag Paswan visited AIIMS in Delhi to check on Sharda Sinha’s health. He shared details of his visit on social media, writing, “Bihar’s pride and well-known folk singer Sharda Sinha ji has been unwell for the past few days. Today I visited her in New Delhi and enquired about her health.”
Paswan also expressed how much he misses Sharda Sinha’s presence during the auspicious Chhath Mahaparva festival. He reminisced about the tradition of listening to her folk songs since his childhood and mentioned his family’s close relationship with her, adding, “I pray to God for her swift recovery.”
Anshuman Sinha had previously updated on social media on November 4 that his mother’s health had declined significantly, with doctors opting for ventilator support. He appealed to the public to keep her in their prayers. Sharda Sinha has been receiving treatment at Dr. Raja Pramanik’s unit at AIIMS since October 22.
Sharda Sinha’s songs are a staple of the Chhath festival not only in Bihar but across the country. Despite her health issues, her son released the audio of her latest song on 30 October, and on 4 November, a new video of her Chhath song was published.
Sharda Sinha was born on October 1, 1952 in Hulas village, Supaul district, Bihar. She married Braj Kishore Sinha, an officer in the Bihar Education Service and resident of Simha village, Begusarai, in 1970. Her husband passed away on 22 September this year at the age of 80. Sharda Sinha, a former professor, retired five years ago.
The Government of India recognised Sharda Sinha’s contributions to the arts with the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 1991, followed by the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2000 and the National Ahilyabai Devi Award in 2006. In 2018, under the government of Narendra Modi, she was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award.
Among the most prominent singers in the Maithili, Magahi, and Bhojpuri languages, Sharda Sinha’s name is revered. She has also performed in Hindi films, including the classic Maine Pyar Kiya, and most recently lent her voice to songs for the Maharani 2 web series.
