Vithabai’s daughter supports Eetha title amid film row

Shraddha Kapoor’s upcoming film Eetha, based on the life of legendary lavani and tamasha artiste Vithabai Narayangaonkar, has been surrounded by discussion over its title. While a section of the late artiste’s family had reportedly objected to the name, Vithabai’s eldest daughter Mangala Bansode Karavadikar has now come forward in support of the title.

The controversy began after reports claimed that Vithabai’s grandson Mohit Narayangaonkar had objected to the title Eetha and wanted the film to include the late artiste’s full name. The film and cultural department of the Nationalist Congress Party also reportedly asked the makers to reconsider the title, while making it clear that they had no objection to the film itself.

Amid the debate, Mangala Bansode Karavadikar, who is 75 and a respected tamasha artiste herself, dismissed the concerns. She said the family has no problem with the title and explained that Eetha was a name by which people in villages often addressed her mother during her performances. Mangala also said she had spoken to Mohit and requested him not to make further statements on the issue.

Family backs the film’s tribute

Mangala revealed that she had shared the background of the name with director Laxman Utekar during the film’s development. She said she has been performing on stage since the age of seven and had personally heard people call her mother Eetha. According to her, the title is not disrespectful but reflects how audiences lovingly remembered Vithabai during her performance days.

The veteran artiste also expressed happiness that the film will introduce Vithabai’s life and dedication to a wider audience. She said the family is pleased that people will get to know more about her mother’s contribution to folk art through this biographical drama.

Shraddha Kapoor plays Vithabai in the film, which has already generated interest because of its subject and cultural backdrop. The movie is expected to focus on the life, struggles and artistic journey of one of Maharashtra’s most celebrated traditional performers.

Vithabai’s legacy returns to screen

Vithabai Narayangaonkar remains one of the most respected names in Maharashtra’s tamasha tradition. Known for her powerful stage presence and dedication to performance, she became a cultural icon and earned wide recognition for keeping the folk form alive.

She received medals from the President of India in 1957 and 1990 and was honoured with the title Tamasha Samradni by the Government of Maharashtra. Her life continues to inspire artistes in Maharashtra and beyond.

With Mangala Bansode Karavadikar now backing the title, the debate around Eetha may settle ahead of its theatrical release. The film is scheduled to hit cinemas on August 28, and fans are waiting to see how Shraddha Kapoor brings the legendary folk artiste’s story to the big screen.