Sharda Sinha: As soon as the name of Sharda Sinha comes, memories of villages, Chhath Ghat and folk songs of Bihar come to mind. There was such sweetness and familiarity in his voice that people started remembering their homes and families as soon as they heard the song. However, his journey to reach this point was not easy. Amidst family responsibilities, opposition and early struggles, he found his path in music.
Remembering Sharda Sinha on her birth anniversary on 1st October, those stories of her life come to the fore, which made her not just a popular singer but also an identity of the folk culture of Bihar.
A memorable story started with my farewell
The atmosphere at home was emotional at the time of Sharda Sinha’s wedding. Before bidding farewell, his father asked him to sing a song. He sang the song in that emotional atmosphere. Later, the wedding and farewell songs sung in his voice became so popular that they became a part of the special occasions of millions of families.
The most emotional aspect of this story is that on the day he himself sang the farewell song, later his voice joined the farewell of countless daughters.
Was not ready to leave music even after marriage
After marriage, he also faced family challenges in the path of music. Objections were raised about going out and organizing a program, but her husband Brajkishore Sinha supported her. Gradually his talent and hard work started attracting people’s attention.
This was the period when Sharda Sinha proved that one could pursue one’s talent even amidst family responsibilities.
Got a big opportunity at the age of just 19 (Sharda Sinha)
An important milestone for her in the world of music came when at the age of 19 she reached Lucknow for a talent test. Famous singer Begum Akhtar was also present there. Sharda Sinha presented Maithili wedding song. Impressed by his presentation, he was advised to continue regular riyaaz.
After this his voice reached the songs of Bhojpuri, Magahi and Hindi along with Maithili. His identity in the field of folk music continued to grow stronger.
When I sang in a film, I got only Rs 76 as remuneration.
After making a mark in folk songs, Sharda Sinha’s voice reached films also. Salman Khan and Bhagyashree’s film ‘I loved’ songs of ‘If you tell me to dress up’ I heard his voice. The fact that he got Rs 76 for this song has been a part of his struggle story for a long time.
Later ‘Who are we to you?’ Farewell song and ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ The songs also brought his voice to the Hindi cinema audience. However, his strongest identity came not from films but from folk songs.
Chhath songs reached every home
The relationship between Sharda Sinha and Chhath songs became so deep that it became difficult to separate the two. ‘On the leaves of Kelva’, ‘Listen sixth mother’ And ‘On the Ghats of Patna’ Such songs are still heard on people’s lips during Chhath.
The special thing was that he himself did not keep the fast of Chhath. He believed that his songs sung for Chhath were his dedication towards this festival. His voice reached from Bihar to Purvanchali families living in Jharkhand and other parts of the country.