Chhath stands as a powerful symbol of cultural identity for communities across eastern Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Bihar, where the four-day spiritual observance comes alive through loved ones uniting, sacred rites, and the mandatory presence of Sharda Sinha’s classic anthem Pahile Pahil Hum Kayin. The big-screen release of Vvaan: Forest of the Forrest on September 25 starring Tamannaah Bhatia, Shweta Tiwari, Sidharth Malhotra, Sunil Grover, and Anup Soni attracted mixed critical attention, but its Chhathi Maiya musical sequence struck an immediate chord with audiences. Although some social media critics initially debated the absence of a Bhojpuri recording, the directors delivered an emotional masterstroke by integrating Sharda Sinha’s authentic and soul-stirring folk rendition into a scene where actors Shweta Tiwari and Anup Soni engage in festive preparations. A video shared by filmographer Nishant Singh showcased the magical atmosphere inside a packed theatre when the song played, prompting an outpouring of emotional responses from cinephiles and music lovers everywhere. Comments ranged from fans experiencing sudden goosebumps and childhood flashbacks to statements declaring that the song represents pure culture rather than just a fleeting emotion. The legendary artist, universally celebrated as Bihar’s Kokila and the unmatched Voice of Chhath, has cemented her music as an irreplaceable element of every traditional Chhath festivity and digital media trend. A proud daughter of Bihar’s Supaul district, Sharda Sinha was honored with the Padma Shri in 1991, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2000, and the Padma Bhushan in 2018, alongside lending her golden voice to mainstream cinematic masterpieces like Maine Pyar Kiya’s Kahe Toh Se Sajna and Gangs of Wasseypur Part 2’s Taar Bijli. Yet, she remained etched in public memory primarily for her devotional Chhath masterpieces, which possessed a modern, accessible charm that resonated deeply with all age groups. Having fought multiple myeloma bravely since 2017, Sharda Sinha passed away at AIIMS Delhi in November 2024 at the age of 72, leaving an immortal legacy that continues to resonate powerfully through the heartbeat of Indian folk culture.
Legendary Sharda Sinha’s Chhath Song in ‘Vvaan’ Touches Hearts and Leaves Biharis Emotional
