What is the story about?
Shraddha Kapoor has been selective with her project choices. Rather than hurrying into new ventures, the actress is thoroughly immersing herself in character
preparation. For her forthcoming yet unannounced collaboration with Laxman Utekar, Kapoor is said to have trained in the dance styles of Lavani and Gavlan for a duration of three months. The film, which is inspired by Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, is reportedly named Eetha according to initial reports.
Shraddha Kapoor prepares for Eetha
A source associated with the film informed Midday, “With her mother Shivangi Kolhapure hailing from Maharashtra, Shraddha is well-versed in the culture. Her dancing ability also provided an edge, as it played a significant role in Vithabai’s narrative. Shraddha has embraced Lavani and Gavlan, two traditional dance forms that originated in Maharashtra. These dances are commonly featured in Tamasha, which traditionally merges storytelling with music, dance, and humor.”
ALSO READ: Shraddha Kapoor Compares Indian Women's World Cup 2025 Victory To Kapil Dev Team's 1983 Win: This Is For Generations
Although Laxman and the production team have yet to make an official announcement regarding the film, filming commenced on November 1 in Aundhewadi, a village located 50 kilometers from Nashik. As per the source, Shraddha’s scenes portraying Narayangaonkar in her youth are being captured in the initial schedule. The insider revealed, “Shraddha is depicted wearing a saree in the kashta style during the dance sequence that is currently underway. Stylist Sheetal Iqbal Sharma conducted thorough research for the period piece, including insights into the types of sarees favored by Vithabai. Following the week-long shoot, the crew will continue filming in Solapur, Satara, Nashik, and Kolhapur throughout November and December. Art directors Amit Ray and Subrata Chakraborty have selected all authentic locations. Aside from a 10-day hiatus at the end of December, the director aims to shoot continuously until March.”
About Vithabai Narayangaonkar
Vithabai, a renowned Tamasha performer from Maharashtra, significantly contributed to the preservation of the folk dance’s heritage. Born into an artistic family in Pandharpur, her father and uncle operated the family troupe, Bhau-Bapu Mang Narayangaonkar. Her grandfather, Narayan Khude, was the founder. Vithabai was raised amidst various musical styles such as Lavanya, Gavlan, and Bhedik.
Known as the ‘Tamasha Samradini’ (Tamasha Empress), Narayangaonkar continued the family tradition during her father’s challenging times. She received numerous prestigious accolades, including the President’s Award in both 1957 and 1990. Despite her fame and recognition, Vithabai encountered financial difficulties. Reports indicate that her hospital expenses after her passing were covered by charitable contributions.
Eetha marks Laxman’s next directorial project following this year’s hit Hindi film, Chhaava, featuring Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, and Rashmika Mandanna. Shraddha’s most recent film was Stree 2 in 2024.
Do you find this article useful?
