The controversy surrounding Shraddha Kapoor’s upcoming biopic ‘Eetha’ has taken a new turn. Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s eldest daughter has publicly endorsed the film’s title, clarifying that the family has no objections and explaining the historical significance of the name.
Key Points
Vithabai Narayangaonkar's eldest daughter supports "Eetha" title for Shraddha Kapoor's biopic.
She confirmed the family has "no objection" to the film's name, contrary to earlier reports.
"Eetha" was a fond nickname for Vithabai, used by villagers during her performances.
The family is happy the film will honor Vithabai's legacy and dedication to her craft.
Vithabai’s Daughter Addresses Eetha Title Debate
The debate around Shraddha Kapoor ‘s upcoming film Eetha has taken a fresh turn. While the teaser impressed many with Shraddha’s transformation into legendary Lavani artiste Vithabai Narayangaonkar, the film’s title soon became a talking point. Questions were raised after the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) objected to the makers choosing Eetha instead of naming the biopic after Vithabai. Some reports also suggested that members of the late artiste’s family shared those concerns. Now, Vithabai’s eldest daughter has addressed the controversy and clarified where the family stands.
The 75-year-old, who is Vithabai’s eldest daughter, a noted Tamasha artiste and a President’s Award recipient, said the family has no objection to the title. She explained that Eetha was a name by which people fondly knew her mother during her performances in villages.
Why “Eetha” Was a Fitting Name for the Lavani Legend
“We have no objection to the film’s title. I have spoken with Mohit and have requested him to not give out any further statements on the same. The title is appropriate because in those days, people from the villages where my mother performed would often call her Eetha,” she told Times of India.
Mangala also shared that she had mentioned this to director Laxman Utekar while he was meeting the family and researching Vithabai’s life for the film. “I have been performing on stage since I was seven years old and have heard people address my mother by that name. We are happy that through this film people will come to know about my mother and how dedicated she was to her craft.”
Family’s Blessing for Shraddha Kapoor’s Biopic
She was honoured by the President of India in 1957 and again in 1990 for her contribution to Indian folk arts. But behind the applause was a life that wasn’t always easy. Despite her immense popularity, Vithabai reportedly faced financial hardships in her later years. Today, her passion for Lavani and Tamasha lives on through her family, with several of her children and sons-in-law continuing the tradition.
With the family’s blessing, the ‘Eetha’ title controversy appears to be resolved. This clarification paves the way for the film to honor Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s remarkable life and contributions to Indian folk arts without further dispute.
