03 July,2026 12:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shraddha Kapoor (Picture via YouTube trailer)
Shraddha Kapoor's upcoming film Eetha has received a major boost amid the ongoing title controversy, with legendary Lavani and Tamasha artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar's eldest daughter, Mangala Bansode Karavadikar, publicly backing the makers and stating that the family has no objection to the film's title. Her statement comes days after reports claimed that some members of Vithabai's family, along with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), had urged the filmmakers to rename the biopic after the late folk icon.
Mangala, a noted Tamasha performer herself and a President's Award recipient, dismissed the controversy while explaining the significance of the title Eetha. According to her, the name held a special place in Vithabai's life as it was how villagers affectionately addressed the celebrated performer during her stage shows.
"We have no objection to the film's title. I have spoken with Mohit and have requested him to not give out any further statements on the same. The title is appropriate because in those days, people from the villages where my mother performed would often call her Eetha," Mangala said.
She further revealed that she had shared this detail with director Laxman Utekar while he was researching Vithabai's life for the biopic. Mangala recalled growing up watching audiences lovingly refer to her mother as "Eetha" and believes the title reflects an important part of the legendary artist's identity.
"I have been performing on stage since I was seven years old and have heard people address my mother by that name. We are happy that through this film people will come to know about my mother and how dedicated she was to her craft," she added.
The clarification comes after Vithabai's grandson Mohit Narayangaonkar and other family members reportedly questioned why the film was not named Vithabai, arguing that her full name deserved wider recognition. Political leaders also echoed similar concerns, saying the title should preserve the iconic artist's legacy for future generations.
Directed by Laxman Utekar, Eetha stars Shraddha Kapoor as the legendary Lavani exponent Vithabai Narayangaonkar. The teaser recently received widespread praise for Shraddha's striking transformation and performance, even as the title debate dominated headlines.
With Mangala's endorsement now on record, the controversy appears to have softened considerably, offering support to the filmmakers' creative decision while reaffirming that the title carries historical and emotional significance within Vithabai's own family.
