Sharda Sinha’s Bollywood Debut: Just ₹76 for Her Iconic Song in Salman’s Film

The world of folk music has lost a beloved artist, as renowned singer Sharda Sinha passed away at the age of 72. Known for her contributions to Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi music, Sinha won the hearts of millions with her soulful renditions. Her voice brought joy to countless listeners, but she kept her Bollywood journey limited, dedicating most of her life to folk music and her family.

Bollywood Beginnings with “Maine Pyar Kiya”

Sharda Sinha’s Bollywood debut came with the hit song Kehna Toh Se Sajna in Salman Khan’s debut film Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). Although she received only ₹76 for the recording, the song became iconic, marking Sinha’s first step into Hindi cinema. However, after this song, she took a long break from Bollywood, focusing instead on folk music, which was closer to her heart.

Her first Bollywood connection began when she visited Mumbai to record a Bhojpuri duet. Unexpectedly, she received a call from Rajshri Productions, who admired her earlier work in folk music. The film Maine Pyar Kiya, originally titled Pyar Ka Vardaan, was nearing completion when she was asked to sing. Despite initial nerves about singing in Hindi cinema, she recorded the song after a rehearsal, which impressed the production team.

Five years later, the Barjatya family reached out to Sinha again to sing Babul for Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994). This emotional farewell song resonated with audiences and showcased Sinha’s unique ability to connect through music. She accepted the opportunity with joy, marking another memorable moment in Bollywood.

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Return to Bollywood After 18 Years with “Gangs of Wasseypur”

After an 18-year hiatus from Bollywood, Sinha returned with Taar Bijli in Gangs of Wasseypur (2012). The song’s composer, Sneha Khanwalkar, traveled to Sinha’s home to persuade her to sing for the film. Deeply impressed by Sinha’s voice, Khanwalkar knew this folk style was perfect for the film’s setting.

Following this, Sinha lent her voice to Kaun Si Nagariya for Chaarfutiya Chhokare (2014) and even appeared in Kaagaz (2021) with Sarkar Vidhwa Banawal. The song resonated with Sinha as it was a story of resilience, which she connected to during a time when false rumors of her death had circulated.

Sharda Sinha always maintained a unique relationship with Bollywood. While fans often asked why she did not sing more Hindi film songs, Sinha explained that her relationship with Bollywood was one of mutual respect. She believed that when Bollywood needed her voice, it would reach out to her, and she would be there.

As she shared, she admired artists like Lata Mangeshkar, Anuradha Paudwal, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, and Shreya Ghoshal, finding inspiration in their music. For Sinha, Bollywood was a delightful chapter in her life, though her heart remained in folk music.