3 min readMumbaiJun 29, 2026 11:42 AM IST
Actress Shraddha Kapoor is set to make an impressive return to the big screen after Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. Her latest film Eetha is a biopic on a Lavani artist, Vithabai Narayangaonkar. While Shraddha impressed everyone with her transformation in the film’s teaser, Eetha seems to have landed in an unexpected controversy. According to reports on TV9 Marathi, Vithabai’s family, as well as the National Congress Party (NCP), has raised an objection to the film’s title. They have questioned why Vithabai’s name doesn’t feature in the film’s title and have also demanded that the film’s name be changed.
Shraddha Kapoor Eetha title row
According to reports, NCP’s film and cultural department has questioned Eetha’s makers as to why they didn’t put Vithabai’s name in the title. Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s family has also demanded that the film should be named Vitha or Vithabai, giving due recognition to the legendary folk artist. Babasaheb Patil, the state president of Maharashtra, said that it is the party’s responsibility to respect and honour Vithabai’s legacy and stated that the film’s title should reflect Vithabai’s immense contribution to lavani and tamasha.
Also Read: Eetha teaser: Shraddha Kapoor as Vithabai dances after giving birth, turns into a legend
Vithabai’s sons Kailash and Rajesh, and grandson Mohit, have also asked the makers to rethink their decision. They also stated that the title Eetha made them unhappy. According to the family, while the biopic should carry her name, it should also give due credit to the woman whose efforts helped shape the lavani tradition in Maharashtra. As of now, neither director Laxman Utekar, nor Shraddha Kapoor, nor Maddock Films has reacted to this demand.
Who is Vithabai Narayangaonkar?
A celebrated name in Maharashtra’s Lavani and Tamasha tradition, Vithabai Narayangaonkar was one of the most renowned folk artists of her time. Her contribution to the folk culture was also recognized by the President of India on multiple occasions. However, Vithabai’s life was filled with hardships; it is believed that she spent her final years struggling financially.
Eetha’s teaser starts with a group performing Lavani, as a pregnant Shraddha Kapoor screams in pain. Not caring for her life, she later goes on stage to perform. The teaser further highlights her larger-than-life presence. After Stree, Sharddha Kapoor is once again collaborating with Maddock Films for Eetha. The film also stars Randeep Hooda and Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub in important roles. It is slated to release on 28th August 2026.
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