Shraddha Kapoor’s ‘Eetha’ Revives Legacy of Lavani Icon Vithabai Narayangaonkar

The upcoming film Eetha, featuring Shraddha Kapoor in the lead role, has brought renewed attention to the remarkable life of legendary Lavani and Tamasha performer Vithabai Narayangaonkar. A recently leaked teaser from the film has sparked widespread interest, with audiences praising Kapoor’s striking transformation into the celebrated folk artist.
Directed by Laxman Utekar, the biographical drama chronicles the life of Vithabai, one of Maharashtra’s most revered cultural icons. Born into a family associated with traditional folk theatre, she began performing at a young age and went on to become a dominant figure in the world of Lavani and Tamasha, art forms deeply rooted in the state’s cultural heritage.
The teaser highlights one of the most talked-about episodes from Vithabai’s life. It depicts the performer continuing her stage commitments despite being in the final stages of pregnancy, showcasing her dedication to her craft. The incident has long been remembered as a symbol of her resilience and commitment to entertaining audiences. Throughout her career, Vithabai overcame numerous social and economic challenges while helping preserve traditional Marathi folk performance during a period of significant cultural change. Her powerful stage presence and artistic excellence earned her widespread recognition and admiration across Maharashtra.
The film aims to capture both her professional achievements and personal struggles, offering viewers an insight into the sacrifices she made to keep the folk traditions of Lavani and Tamasha alive. Industry observers believe the project could introduce her story to a younger generation unfamiliar with her contributions to Indian performing arts. The teaser’s release has generated considerable buzz on social media, with many praising Kapoor’s portrayal and expressing curiosity about the film.