In a candid conversation, Manish Harishankar, the Founder of MH Films, recalled his deep conversations with the late Sharda Sinha, a revered name in Bihar’s folk music. During their collaboration in 2015 on the song “Kaun Si Nagariya,” Sinha shared the painful truth about her career. Despite her significant contributions to folk music, particularly during festivals in Bihar, she had never been properly compensated for her work. Music houses, she revealed, took full advantage of her inexperience in the industry, stealing royalties and denying her rightful ownership of her iconic songs.
Harishankar, who shared a close bond with Sinha and her family, emphasized how the greed-driven music industry restricted the true potential of such artists. Sinha’s deep frustration was not just about the financial loss, but also the cultural injustice that her contributions were relegated to regional recognition. She should have been a globally recognized artist, but the industry’s exploitative nature kept her work from reaching wider audiences.
Despite facing these hardships, Sinha remained resilient. Her music became a staple of cultural celebrations, but the commercial side of the music business failed to honor the artistry behind it. Harishankar noted that her story was one that many artists shared—trapped by systems that profited off their work without giving them the respect or rewards they deserved.
Sinha’s passing is a significant loss, but Harishankar remains determined that her legacy, her music, and her spirit will continue to inspire those who understand her struggle. He believes that the conversation around artists’ rights and fair compensation needs to continue, so that future generations do not suffer the same fate. The heartfelt revelations from Sharda Sinha during their collaboration serve as a reminder of the challenges many artists face in an industry driven more by profit than by artistry.