As Shraddha Kapoor's 'Eetha' sparks buzz, here's the inspiring story of Vithabai Narayangaonkar, the legendary Tamasha queen whose talent, resilience, and dedication made her a cultural icon.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleShraddha Kapoor is all set for what could arguably be one of the most powerful performances of her career with Eetha, a biopic based on the life of Maharashtra's iconic Tamasha artiste, Vithabai Narayangaonkar. Fans have been won over by Shraddha’s makeover, emotional intensity, and dominating screen presence since the teaser got leaked online.
But as the actress is making headlines, many viewers are now learning the incredible woman behind the film’s inspiration. And Vithabai’s story is as compelling as any movie.
Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar was born in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, and grew up in a family of folk theatre and music. Her father and uncle were the owners of the famous Bhau-Bapu Mang Narayangaonkar troupe, while her grandpa was instrumental in setting up the family’s Tamasha legacy.
Vithabai grew up in an environment full of Lavani, Gavlan, and other traditional performance arts. Academics never really held any interest for her, but the theatre certainly did. Although she had no formal training, she had an extraordinary talent and soon became one of the most popular entertainers in Maharashtra. Over time, her talent landed her the moniker of “Tamasha Samradni”, or Empress of Tamasha, a title indicative both of her popularity and of the impact she exerted on the art form.
One particular anecdote from Vithabai’s life that's still talked about decades later is also one of the most amazing tales in the history of Indian performance. The reports say that Vithabai was singing to a full house when she suddenly went into labour. She was nine months pregnant at that time. But instead of cancelling the event, she apparently went backstage, gave birth, cut the umbilical cord herself, and got ready to return to her performance.
When the audience found out what had been going on behind the scenes, they were left stunned. The incident has since become a symbol of her unwavering devotion to her work, transforming her into a legend far beyond Maharashtra's folk theatrical circles. Eetha’s leaked teaser interestingly seems to be recreating this same moment where a heavily pregnant Shraddha Kapoor delivers a dramatic dialogue:
“If I die after falling again and again, I'll be remembered as a helpless woman. But if I die dancing, I'll become a legend."
Vithabai’s popularity grew in the 1950s, 1960s, and beyond. Her performances attracted huge crowds, and her ability to blend passion, storytelling, music, and dance established her as one of the most revered figures in Tamasha. Her contributions also did not go unnoticed. She was honoured by the President of India twice, first in 1957 and then again in 1990. She also entertained Indian soldiers during the Sino-Indian War of 1962, helping improve morale during a tough time in the country’s history. Vithabai was more than just a performer. She was a cultural figure who preserved a tradition alive and elevated the folk traditions of Maharashtra.
Vithabai was quite popular and well-known, but her final years were apparently troubled by financial difficulties and health issues. Despite being a lifelong artist, her final years were spent in significant hardship. After she died in 2002, donations reportedly went toward certain medical bills, a tragic fate for an artist who had amused generations. Her story is a reminder that celebrity is not always security, especially for folk artists who often labour outside the mainstream entertainment sector.
Eetha is helmed by Laxman Utekar and produced under the banner of Maddock Films. The film is supposed to showcase Vithabai’s amazing journey from the 1940s to the 1990s. Starring Shraddha Kapoor in the icon's role, the film also stars Randeep Hooda and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in important roles. The teaser has already created a lot of buzz, and many admirers are expecting that the part could be one of Shraddha’s career-defining performances.
Even more than two decades after her death, Vithabai Narayangaonkar remains one of the most prominent individuals in Maharashtra’s traditional arts scene. Her impact was so great that the Maharashtra government created the Vithabai Narayangaonkar Lifetime Achievement Award to recognise artists who work to keep Tamasha alive. Now, when Eetha's story comes to the big screen, a new generation will discover the lady who quite literally danced through adversity, defied expectations, and became a legend.
And if the teaser is anything to go by, viewers are in for a narrative as inspiring as it is unforgettable.
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