‘We have no objection’: Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s daughter backs Shraddha Kapoor’s Eetha amid title row

The controversy surrounding Shraddha Kapoor’s upcoming biographical drama Eetha has taken a significant turn after Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s family stepped in to clarify their stance.

The debate began shortly after the teaser of the film was unveiled, with audiences praising Shraddha’s dramatic transformation into the legendary Lavani icon. However, the film’s title quickly became the centre of attention, with political voices and some reports questioning why the makers chose Eetha instead of naming the biopic directly after Vithabai Narayangaonkar.

Now, Vithabai’s eldest daughter Mangala Bansode Karavadikar has put the controversy to rest — at least from the family’s side.

The 75-year-old veteran Tamasha artiste and President’s Award recipient has openly stated that the family has “no objection” to the title.

According to Mangala, “Eetha” was not a random choice but a name villagers affectionately used for her mother during her performances.

She shared that she has personally spoken to family members and requested them not to issue further statements on the matter, making it clear that the title carries emotional and cultural significance.

Mangala also revealed that she had informed director Laxman Utekar about this detail during his research for the film. Having performed on stage since the age of seven, she recalled hearing audiences call her mother by that very name throughout her childhood.

For her, the film is less about the title and more about preserving Vithabai’s incredible legacy.

The issue first gained momentum after members of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) reportedly raised objections, arguing that the biopic should have been titled Vithabai or Vitha to honour the folk legend more directly.

ALSO READ : ‘Rains and You’: Vicky Kaushal’s three-word post for Katrina Kaif melts hearts amid Mumbai monsoon

Political leaders from the party’s Film and Cultural Department questioned the decision, saying Vithabai’s immense contribution to Lavani and Tamasha deserved direct recognition.

Who was Vithabai Narayangaonkar?

Vithabai remains one of Maharashtra’s most celebrated folk performers, known for her electrifying Lavani performances and commanding stage presence. She played a crucial role in shaping the traditional Tamasha art form and inspired generations of performers.

Despite her fame, her life was marked by financial struggles in later years — a lesser-known chapter that the film is expected to explore deeply.

Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Maddock Films founder Dinesh Vijan, Eetha also stars Randeep Hooda and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in pivotal roles.

The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on August 28, arriving during the festive Raksha Bandhan weekend.

With the family now publicly supporting the title, all eyes are on whether the controversy will finally settle — or if the debate around cultural legacy and representation will continue.