Shraddha Kapoor has been making headlines for a while now over her upcoming film 'Eetha', in which she takes on the title role. The recently released teaser has only pushed audience excitement higher. It is so impressive that many are already calling it the finest work of her career, and her look in particular grabbed everyone's attention from the very first glimpse.
A story rooted in Maharashtra's folk culture
The film is set against the backdrop of Maharashtra's folk culture. Its story is based on the life of the celebrated Lavani artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar, who was renowned for her dance and is remembered for her work even today. The teaser makes it clear that the narrative revolves around traditional Maharashtrian folk arts like Lavani and Tamasha. The film will show how Veetha did not even care about her own life when it came to her craft, and it also traces her struggles.
Shraddha's look steals the show
In the teaser, Shraddha's avatar has turned viewers into instant admirers. Draped in a nauvari saree, heavy traditional jewellery and full stage styling, her look is something audiences simply cannot look away from. On screen, she resembles Vithabai Narayangaonkar to a remarkable degree.
So who was Vithabai Narayangaonkar?
If the name is unfamiliar to you, here is the personality this film is now built around. Vithabai Narayangaonkar was one of Maharashtra's best-known Lavani performers. Born into a family of folk artists, she began showcasing her art on stage at a very young age.
Through her energy, her powerful performances and her electrifying stage presence, she earned recognition not just in Maharashtra but across the country. In her time, folk artists were rarely given much importance in the mainstream, yet she played a key role in giving Lavani a fresh identity.
Eetha on screen, Vithabai in real life
While Shraddha Kapoor's character in the film is named Eetha, the real artist's name was Vithabai Narayangaonkar. She was an Indian dancer, singer and Tamasha artist. Her father and uncle ran a family troupe under the name Bhau-Bapu Mang Narayangaonkar, which is why Veetha came to be associated with songs like Lavanya, Gavlan and Bhedik. She was not particularly strong in academics, but on stage no one could match her.
