Vithabai's daughter backs Eetha title amid row over Shraddha Kapoor film

The title of the upcoming film Eetha, based on legendary lavani artiste Vithabai Narayangaonkar, had sparked debate but her eldest daughter has now expressed support for it. She believes the title is fitting and welcomes the film as a tribute.

In Short

• Mohit Narayangaonkar had reportedly sought Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s full name in the title
• A Maharashtra party wing urged makers to change the title only
• Mangala Karavadikar said villagers often called her mother Eetha back then

The title of Eetha, starring Shraddha Kapoor as legendary lavani and tamasha artiste Vithabai Narayangaonkar, recently sparked controversy after a member of the late artiste's family raised objections. However, Vithabai's eldest daughter has now clarified the family's position, saying they have no issue with the film's title.

The title of the upcoming film became a subject of debate after reports claimed that Mohit Narayangaonkar objected to the name Eetha and demanded that the late artiste's full name be included in the title. The film and cultural department of a Maharashtra-based political party also reportedly urged the makers to reconsider the title, while stating that they had no objections to the film itself.

Addressing the controversy, Vithabai's eldest daughter, 75-year-old Mangala Bansode Karavadikar, dismissed the concerns and said the family fully supports the title.

"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 said.

Mangala, herself a renowned tamasha artiste and a President's Award recipient, revealed that she had shared this detail with director Laxman Utekar during the film's development.

"I have been performing on stage since I was seven years old and have heard people address my mother by that name," she added.

Expressing her happiness over the biographical film, Mangala said, "We are happy that through this film people will come to know about my mother and how dedicated she was to her craft."

Vithabai Narayangaonkar was one of Maharashtra's most celebrated tamasha performers. She received medals from the President of India in 1957 and 1990 and was honoured with the title of Tamasha Samradni by the Government of Maharashtra.

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