Folk music legend Sharda Sinha, celebrated across Bihar and beyond, left a lasting legacy with her soulful songs. Known for her contributions to Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi music, she passed away at 72 after a prolonged illness. Although she is no longer with us, her voice lives on, resonating through generations in both folk and Bollywood music.
Sharda Sinha’s Bollywood journey began alongside none other than superstar Salman Khan. While Salman Khan made his debut as a lead actor in the 1989 blockbuster Maine Pyar Kiya, Sinha also found her Bollywood break in the same film. Her song, “Kahe Tose Sajna,” became an unforgettable part of the movie, capturing the audience with its soulful, earthy tones that complemented the romantic setting.
How Sharda Sinha’s Voice Reached Rajshri Productions
Sharda Sinha shared the heartwarming story behind her first Bollywood song in a Sansad TV interview. She recalled the time when Tarachand Barjatya, the head of Rajshri Productions, noticed her music. While she was in Mumbai for a Bhojpuri film recording, Barjatya reached out after hearing her HMV cassette, which was a tribute to Maithili poet Vidyapati.
She described how Barjatya was so moved by her voice that he wrote to her, saying he was captivated by her music. His letter conveyed how much he admired her work and expressed a desire to meet her in person. “I got a letter from Tarachand Barjatya, saying that he had worn out my tribute cassette from listening to it repeatedly,” she reminisced with a smile.
The Moment of Opportunity
One day, while recording at Bombay Lab, Sinha received a message that Tarachand Barjatya wanted to meet her at the Rajshri office nearby. She immediately accepted the invitation, and during their meeting, Barjatya offered her a song in his next movie, Maine Pyar Kiya.
Sharda Sinha was thrilled but also humbled by the opportunity. “He told me they loved my voice and wanted me to sing a song for their movie,” she said. This chance led to the creation of “Kahe Tose Sajna,” which was filmed on actors Salman Khan and Bhagyashree, adding a magical touch to the film’s romantic plot.
A Song That Defined a Bollywood Era
“Kahe Tose Sajna” became an instant hit, capturing the hearts of audiences across India and connecting Sinha’s folk background with the mainstream Bollywood sound. For many, her song brought the beauty of regional Indian music into the limelight, making her a beloved figure in Bollywood music as well.
Sharda Sinha’s journey in Bollywood was unique – blending the rustic charm of folk music with the glamour of cinema. Her legacy, beginning with a single song in Maine Pyar Kiya, continues to resonate, reminding fans of her timeless talent. Her song with Salman Khan and Bhagyashree remains a testament to her impact on the music and film industry.
