Sharda Sinha (1 October 1952 – 5 November 2024) was one of India's most celebrated folk vocalists, whose remarkable contribution to the preservation and popularisation of the musical traditions of Bihar secured her an enduring place in the cultural history of the subcontinent. Affectionately honoured with the title Bihar Kokila, meaning the Cuckoo of Bihar, she emerged as the foremost exponent of Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi folk music. Her mellifluous voice, combined with an unwavering commitment to regional musical heritage, enabled her to bridge the divide between local cultural practices and national recognition. Through her extensive repertoire, she played a pivotal role in safeguarding the oral traditions associated with festivals, rituals, and community life, thereby ensuring their continued relevance in contemporary Indian society.

Born in Bihar, Sinha pursued her higher education at Magadh Mahila College, where her academic journey complemented her growing interest in music. Although she received formal musical training, her artistic identity remained deeply rooted in the folk traditions of her native region. She first attained widespread recognition during the 1980s, when her recordings of Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi songs gained immense popularity across Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Her performances were distinguished by authenticity, emotional warmth, and linguistic fidelity, qualities that resonated with audiences across generations and established her as a revered custodian of regional musical heritage.

Among her most significant contributions was the popularisation of Chhath Geet, the devotional songs performed during the Chhath festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, and Vivah Geet, the ceremonial songs traditionally sung during marriage celebrations. These musical forms occupy a central position within the cultural and religious life of northern India, and Sinha's interpretations became definitive renditions for countless devotees and families. Through radio broadcasts, audio recordings, and public performances, her voice became inseparable from these ritual traditions, transforming her into a cultural icon whose music transcended geographical boundaries and connected diasporic communities with their ancestral heritage.

While firmly established as a regional folk artist, Sinha also achieved national prominence through her contributions to Hindi cinema. Her rendition of Kahe Toh Se Sajna in the immensely successful 1989 film Maine Pyar Kiya introduced her distinctive vocal style to a broader audience and demonstrated the adaptability of folk expression within mainstream Indian cinema. This achievement further strengthened her reputation as an artist capable of integrating regional musical traditions into the wider landscape of popular culture without compromising their authenticity.

In recognition of her exceptional contributions to Indian music, Sinha received the Padma Shri in 1991 and the Padma Bhushan in 2018 from the Government of India. Following her death in New Delhi on 5 November 2024, she was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2025, India's second-highest civilian honour, commemorating her extraordinary legacy as an unparalleled ambassador of India's rich folk musical traditions.