Early Life and Beginnings
Sharda Sinha was born on October 1, 1952, in Hulas, a village in the Supaul district of Bihar. She grew up in a family deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of Bihar, where folk music played an important role. Her early exposure to Maithili folk songs, sung in the fields of her homeland, sparked her passion for music.
The influence of her in-laws in the nearby Sihama village also helped her connect with regional musical traditions. From a young age, Sharda began to sing the soul-stirring songs of her culture, laying the foundation for her musical journey.
Musical Journey
Sharda Sinha's voice resonated with the melodies of Maithili, Bhojpuri, Magahi, and Hindi music. As she grew older, her singing talent blossomed. She was given the opportunity to perform at Prayag Sangeet Samiti’s Basant Mahotsava in Allahabad, where her performances showcased her unique ability to capture the vibrancy of spring through folk music.
Her voice became synonymous with the region's traditional songs, and her music began to spread beyond the boundaries of Bihar.
Chhath Puja and Devotion
One of the most important aspects of Sharda’s music is her involvement in Chhath Puja celebrations, a festival that honors the sun god. Chhath is a deeply ingrained tradition in Bihar, and Sharda's songs became an integral part of these celebrations. Songs like “Kelwa Ke Paat Par” and “Suna Chhathi Maai” have become synonymous with the festival.
Sharda’s music revived the spirit of Chhath, drawing people together through the power of song. In 2016, after a decade-long break, Sharda released new Chhath songs, marking her return to the festival with fresh compositions that resonated with her audience.
Bollywood and Beyond
Sharda’s journey went beyond regional music into mainstream Bollywood. In 1989, she made her debut in the Hindi film industry with the song “Kahe Toh Se Sajna” from Maine Pyar Kiya.
This song won her a place in the hearts of Bollywood fans across India. Her career in cinema continued with contributions to films like Gangs of Wasseypur and Chaarfutiya Chhokare. Sharda effortlessly blended her roots in folk music with the demands of contemporary film music, highlighting her versatility as an artist.
Awards and Recognition
Sharda Sinha’s contributions to the music world were recognized with national honors. In 1991, she was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, for her exceptional contribution to music.
Later, in 2018, she received the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India, which further cemented her status as one of the most influential figures in Indian music.
Social Media and Digital Influence
As the world embraced digital platforms, Sharda Sinha adapted, using social media to connect with a new generation of fans. She built a strong presence on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, where her music and personal content reached millions.
On Instagram, Sharda has 181k followers, while her Facebook page boasts 496k followers. Her YouTube channel, with around 35k subscribers, showcases her diverse talents, including Bhakti songs, which have earned her a loyal following.
Personal Life and Interests
While Sharda’s professional life is well-known, she values her privacy when it comes to her personal life. She is a private person and prefers to keep details of her family and close circle out of the public eye. Sharda leads a vegetarian lifestyle, which aligns with her spiritual beliefs.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places, showing her adventurous side. She also loves home-cooked meals, particularly Paneer Tikka and Litti Chokha, which reflect her connection to her roots.
Legacy
Sharda Sinha’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Bihar’s cultural heritage. Her music, especially her Chhath songs, has become a symbol of Bihar’s rich traditions. Over the years, she has released numerous albums, contributing more than 60 Chhath songs to the cultural landscape of the region.
Through her work, she has ensured that these traditions live on, bridging generations and keeping the essence of Bihar alive in the hearts of its people.
A Woman of Substance
In addition to her musical success, Sharda Sinha has achieved financial success, with an estimated net worth of 15 crores. This success is a reflection of her hard work, talent, and dedication.
She is also an example of empowerment, balancing her career, lifestyle, and personal values with grace and determination. Sharda's commitment to health, her vegetarian diet, and her dedication to her craft showcase her discipline and strength as a woman of substance.
