Lavani: The Maharashtrian folk dance revived through Vithabai Narayangaonkar biopic

Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic

Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor is tapping into her Maharashtrian roots for her upcoming film Eetha, a biopic on legendary Tamasha artiste Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, by learning the traditional dance form Lavani. Here's what you need to know about this vibrant art form from Maharashtra.

Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar was a popular dancers, singer and Tamasha artist from Padharpur, in Maharashtra, who had an illustrious career spanning over three decades. The Government of Maharashtra established the Vithabai Narayangaonkar Lifetime Achievement Award to honour senior Tamasha artists in 2006.

What is Lavani?
Lavani is a traditional folk dance form originating from Maharashtra. It is known for it's high-energy, rhythmic beats and expressive movements and widely used in Tamasha, which traditionally combines storytelling with singing, dancing, and satire. Women who perform are also called 'Tamasha dancers.' They wear a 'Nauvari saree,' which is a 9-yard long saree, heavy jewelery and ghungroo (ankle bells). The dance form is characterized by fast-paced rhythm and accompanied by traditional instruments like harmonium, dholak and tabla.

History
Lavani is said to have originated somewhere between the 18th and 19th century in Maharashtra. The name is derived from the term 'Lavanya,' meaning 'beauty.' It is said to be performed by women for the entertainment of soldiers as a morale booster at the royal courts during the Maratha empire.

Lavani in pop culture
Lavani has been showcased in popular culture through television shows and cinema time and again. Many movies have depicted Lavani in a modernized version as 'item numbers' blending traditional elements of the art with contemporary music and dance styles, introducing it to new audiences.

However, many traditional Lavani dancers have revealed that this adaptation in popular culture has stereotyped and discriminated the folk art dance and its performers due to the genre's sensual nature.

Lavani as a traditional folk dance form still remains an essential part of Maharashtra's cultural heritage, even with its evolving role in pop culture. It long been a medium for social reform and commentary - a role that continues to evolve even today. Recently there Lavani performances have also featured cross-dressed male and LGBTQ performers who are adapting the dance form.