Long before social media and celebrity culture existed, there was one woman who could attract thousands of people to her voice, her face and presence on stage simply by voice, expression and presence of mind. That woman was Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, a name that is still associated with Lavani and Tamasha in Maharashtra, even decades after her peak.
Now she is back in the limelight for her life with a biographical drama’s title “Eetha” (2016 film), with Shraddha Kapoor. The teaser of the film had just recently appeared online after it was connected to screenings of Cocktail 2 and it has already created a buzz among fans.
But before we do so of the teaser, let us understand why Vithabai is still a legend.
Who is Vithabai ?
Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar was born in Maharashtra and grew up in a family deeply connected to Tamasha, the state’s traditional folk theatre. She was the daughter of the great Tamasha actor Bhau Narayangaonkar and started playing the stage at a very young age.
By her teen years Vithabai was a crowd-puller. Her powerful voice, expressive dancing and commanding stage presence made her one of the biggest stars in the history of Lavani. At a time when female folk artists were not in a position to be at least celebrated and accepted as part of the community in Maharashtra, she had a rare opportunity for recognition and respect.
Vithabai performed hundreds of shows in villages, towns and cities - often under extremely difficult circumstances. She had a lot of financial problems and challenges and still loved her art her whole life.
She was called the Empress of Tamasha and is credited with preserving and promoting Lavani for future generations. Her influence on Marathi folk culture is still alive and well and many artists (and fans) still regard her as one of the greatest Lavani artists.
Probably the most famous story about her is that after she gave birth backstage during a show, she worked. The story became history, or folklore, to all her fans and she became a symbol of her deep dedication to the stage and her stature. She was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her work with folk theatre. Lavani and Tamasha are closely connected with her and are now part of Marathi folk music.
Why Is Vithabai Considered a Legend?
Born into a family associated with Maharashtra’s traditional Tamasha folk theatre, Vithabai became one of the most celebrated Lavani performers in Indian history. In a time when folk artists were not always recognized and respected, she was transformed into a cultural icon through her talent, hard work and determination.
Her performances were emotionally charged, self-assured and full of stage energy. People came from far and wide to see her perform. Most theatre historians credit Vithabai with helping retain and develop Lavani in a time when traditional folk arts were fading.
But what was truly great about her story was how dedicated she was from a technical point of view.
One of the most well known stories about Vithabai is that she appeared on stage soon after giving birth. Whether folklore or fact, that event was symbolic of her commitment to art and cemented her larger-than-life image in Maharashtra’s cultural history.
Even today, many artists regard her as one of the greatest ambassadors of Lavani and Tamasha.
Shraddha Kapoor's 'Eetha' Teaser Sparks Excitement
The leaked teaser of 'Eetha' looks like it’s a recreation of that seminal period in Vithabai’s life. Shraddha Kapoor portrays the legendary performer while she is heavily pregnant and preparing for a stage show. Backstage she gives birth and then comes back to the stage despite the warnings that performing will put her life in danger.
The teaser’s most talked-about moment comes when her character says:
"Padi padi mari toh bechari kehlaungi, naachte hue mari toh misaal ban jaaungi."
We could feel at once the strong dialogue resonates with its viewers and perfectly embodies Vithabai’s spirit of fearless action.
Apart from the emotional scenes, the teaser also shows Lavani performances, traditional costumes and Vithabai's journey from a struggling artist to a cultural phenomenon.
Netizens Can't Stop Praising Shraddha
Hindi fans quickly started circulating the teaser on social media platforms in response, and fans of Shraddha Kapoor were quick to call it the most promising performance of her in her resume.We had a lot of users like the transformation, expressions and screen presence and many users praised her transformation. But some said the role could end up winning her major acting awards.
One fan said the teaser was “pure goosebumps” and said every frame came across as “a painting brought to life.” Some said Shraddha had completely disappeared into the character and had captured the spirit of Vithabai perfectly.But the makers haven't released the teaser online yet, so from the early reaction it seems that *Eetha* is one of the most eagerly awaited biographical dramas of the year.
More importantly, the film is introducing to a new generation how Vithabai, a woman with courage and a lot of passion and determination, was not only a performer, but a mark of Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage.
