The ongoing controversy regarding the name of Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor’s upcoming biopic film ‘Eetha’ now seems to be resolved. The film is based on the life of Maharashtra’s famous lavani and tamasha artiste, late Vithabai Narayangaonkar. Recently, a controversy had arisen after a family member raised objection on the title of the film. However, now Vithabai’s eldest daughter has come forward and clarified the family’s stand on this entire matter and has fully supported the name of the film.
The title of the upcoming film became a subject of debate when it was reported that Vithabai’s grandson 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 the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) also urged the makers to reconsider the title, adding that they had no objection to the film.
Speaking on the controversy, Vithabai’s eldest daughter, Mangala Bansode Karavdikar, 75, dismissed the concerns and told ETimes that the family fully supports the title.
He said, “We have no objection to the title of the film. I have spoken to Mohit and have requested him not to make any further statement about it. The title is right because in those days, people in the villages where my mother performed used to often call her ‘Eetha’.”
Mangala, herself a renowned tamasha artiste and President’s Award winner, said she shared this information with director Laxman Utekar during the film’s development.
She added, “I’ve been performing on stage since I was seven years old and I’ve heard people calling my mother by that name.”
Expressing happiness over the biopic film, Mangala said, “We are happy that through this film people will be able to know about my mother and how dedicated she was to her art.”
Vithabai Narayangaonkar was one of the most famous tamasha artistes of Maharashtra. She received medals from the President of India in 1957 and 1990 and was honored with the title of ‘Tamasha Samragini’ by the Government of Maharashtra.
‘Eetha’ will be released in theaters on August 28.
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