The title of Shraddha Kapoor’s upcoming movie, Eetha, has become a hot topic once again. Mangala Bansode Karavadikar, the eldest daughter of the late Vithabai Narayangaonkar, has come forward to support the film’s title. This clarification comes after some objections were raised by Vithabai’s sons, Kailash and Rajesh, along with her grandson, Mohit Narayangaonkar, who were concerned about the chosen name.
Mangala addressed the issue, stating that the Narayangaonkar family does not oppose the title. She explained that the name holds special meaning, as it was how people from the villages referred to her mother when she performed. “We don’t have any objections to the film’s title. I’ve asked Mohit not to make any more statements about this,” she said.
Mangala, who has a long history in performing arts, mentioned that she had previously shared this background with director Laxman Utekar during the film’s research phase. The filmmaker had reached out to the family while preparing to tell Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s story on screen. “I have been on stage since I was seven, and I’ve often heard people call my mother Eetha. We are thrilled that this film will shed light on her dedication and talent,” she added.
The discussion around the film’s title intensified after the teaser for Eetha was released. Some political figures from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) criticized the title, suggesting that a film about such an iconic figure should carry her full name. Reports indicated that some family members initially shared this concern.
However, Mangala’s recent comments suggest that not all of Vithabai’s family is against the title. She believes that Eetha is a fitting tribute, as it reflects how the community lovingly referred to her mother. The film, directed by Laxman Utekar, features Shraddha Kapoor portraying the renowned Lavani dancer. Produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, the movie also stars Randeep Hooda and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in key roles.
Scheduled to hit theaters on August 28, during the Raksha Bandhan holiday, the teaser has already created a buzz, particularly for Shraddha’s transformation into the celebrated Vithabai Narayangaonkar.
