What is the story about?
Shraddha Kapoor's upcoming biopic film, Eetha, has sparked a fresh controversy even before its release. The film, inspired by the life of legendary Marathi
folk artiste Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, is facing criticism from the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) and the performer's family over its title. They argue that the biopic should prominently feature Vithabai's name to honour her immense contribution to Lavani and Tamasha. The group has further urged the filmmakers to preserve his memory and contributions with dignity and to organize a special screening for his family and close associates before the film's release.
What has NCP demanded regarding Eetha?
Shraddha Kapoor's upcoming biopic Eetha, based on the life of legendary Marathi folk artisteVithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, has become the subject of a title controversy after the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) and the performer's family objected to the omission of her name from the film's title.
Speaking to India Today, Suhas Suryavanshi, Mumbai President (Culture) of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), said the party welcomes efforts to bring Vithabai's inspiring journey to the big screen but believes the film should reflect her identity more prominently. "She is considered the Lavani Samratni of Maharashtra. She was an outstanding performer in Marathi Tamasha or the Marathi folk industry. They have to take care of the dignity of this great artist, and that is why we are talking [about changing the title]. She should be given the dignity that she deserves. The film should benamed after her," Suryavanshi shared.
Highlighting Vithabai's unwavering commitment to her craft, Suryavanshi recalled one of the most well-known stories associated with the late artiste's career. "He entertained with her special attitude, approach, devotion, dedication towards the folk at such a level that even when she was pregnant with her baby, she performed. She was not compelled or forced, but she thought that it was my duty and I have to perform. She went into labour, gave birth to her child and then immediately, within a fraction of a minute, she came back on stage and completed her act," he said.
Eetha doesn't directly acknowledge Vithabai, says Suhas Suryavanshi
Suryavanshi also questioned why the film's title does not directly acknowledge Vithabai, adding that the word "Vitha" is closely associated with her name and roots in Pandharpur, a place of deep cultural and spiritual significance in Maharashtra. According to him, these aspects should be given greater prominence in the biopic based on Vithabai's life.
Apart from the film's title, the NCP leader has expressed concern regarding the inclusion of fictional elements or events. He has urged the filmmakers to arrange a special screening for Vithabai's family and those closely associated with her life prior to the film's release.
"She is the pride of Marathi people, so it will be only justified for the filmmakers if they arrange a show for us and the family. Only then should they proceed with the release," he told he makers of Eetha are yet to respond publicly to the demands or the controversy surrounding the film's title.
Eetha will hit theatres on August 28, 2026.
