Iconic singer Sharda Sinha on ventilator, PM Modi dials her son

Celebrated Bhojpuri folk singer and Padma Bhushan awardee Sharda Sinha, fondly known as “Bihar Kokila” or “the cuckoo of Bihar,” is currently hospitalized at AIIMS in Delhi. Her son, Anshuman, has shared updates on her condition, revealing that she was placed on a ventilator on Monday night after her health worsened. Sinha has been battling multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, since 2018, and her hospitalization follows the recent passing of her husband, Brij Kishore Sinha, which compounded her health issues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Anshuman to express his concern and assured the family of support for her treatment. Sinha’s fans, especially those who cherish her iconic Chhath songs, have been deeply saddened by the news and are praying for her recovery.

Dr. Rima Dada, a professor in the Department of Anatomy and in charge of media at AIIMS, confirmed that Sinha’s condition remains hemodynamically stable, meaning her blood pressure and heart rate are stable, though she is under constant monitoring due to her critical condition.

Sharda Sinha, now 72, has made immense contributions to the traditional folk music of Bihar, especially through her Maithili and Bhojpuri songs. She is best known for her “Chhath Geet,” sung during the Chhath festival, which has become an inseparable part of Bihar’s cultural heritage. She has received prestigious accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1991 and Padma Bhushan in 2018, in recognition of her contributions to music.

Beyond the folk scene, Sinha has also lent her voice to Bollywood hits such as "Kahe Toh Se Sajna" from Maine Pyar Kiya and other songs in films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Gangs of Wasseypur. Over her illustrious career, Sinha has recorded over 60 Chhath songs across nine albums released by major music labels, including HMV, Tips, and T-Series.

Her decline in health has sparked concern across India, with fans and well-wishers hoping for a quick recovery. The nation remains hopeful as she fights her ongoing battle, bringing to light the resilience of an artist who has dedicated her life to preserving and celebrating the cultural legacy of Bihar.