Who Was Vithabai Narayangaonkar? All About the Tamasha Samradni Behind Shraddha Kapoor's 'Eetha'

Bollywood is abuzz with the release of the much-awaited teaser for Eetha, a biographical drama starring Shraddha Kapoor in the titular role of legendary Lavani and Tamasha artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar. The captivating first look, which premiered digitally today, June 23, 2026, promises a powerful cinematic journey into the life of one of Maharashtra's most revered folk performers. The film, backed by Maddock Films, is slated for a theatrical release on August 28, 2026, coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan weekend. ‘Eetha’ Teaser Reactions: Internet Gushes As Shraddha Kapoor Brings Maharashtra’s Folk Legacy to Life in Laxman Utekar’s Next (Watch Video).

Eetha Teaser Out

The teaser for Eetha made its initial appearance exclusively in cinemas, attached to screenings of Maddock Films' Cocktail 2, which premiered on June 19, 2026. Following significant audience response and growing buzz on social media, the makers have now released the teaser across all digital platforms today, June 23, 2026.

The glimpse showcases Shraddha Kapoor in a dramatic and emotionally charged portrayal of Vithabai. The teaser notably brings to life one of the most iconic and chilling real-life incidents from Vithabai's legacy: performing a high-octane Lavani set while heavily pregnant, going into labour backstage, delivering her baby, and then returning to the stage to complete her performance. Kapoor's transformation for the role, which reportedly included rigorous training in traditional Maharashtrian dance forms like Lavani and Gavlan, has garnered widespread praise.

Check out the Teaser of 'Eetha':

Directed by Laxman Utekar, known for his work on Chhaava, Eetha boasts a stellar ensemble cast alongside Shraddha Kapoor, including Randeep Hooda, Nana Patekar, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and Siddharth Jadhav. The music for the film has been composed by the renowned duo Ajay-Atul. Set between the 1940s and 1990s, the film aims to highlight Maharashtra's rich cultural history and the traditional Tamasha art form through Vithabai's inspiring journey.

Who Was Vithabai Narayangaonkar?

Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar (July 1, 1935 – January 15, 2002) was a monumental figure in Indian folk art, widely revered as the "Tamasha Samradni" (Empress of Tamasha). Born in Pandharpur, Solapur district, she hailed from a family deeply entrenched in traditional folk performing arts. Her grandfather, Narayan Khude, established a performing arts troupe, which her father, Bhau Bapu Narayangaonkar, and uncles later managed. Vithabai began performing in her father's productions from the young age of 11.

Vithabai was a distinguished dancer, singer, and Tamasha artist whose contribution to both Lavani and Tamasha remains unmatched. She was renowned for her commanding stage presence, expressive dance, powerful singing, and deeply soulful performances. Her dedication to her craft was legendary; the incident portrayed in the Eetha teaser, where she delivered a baby backstage during a performance and promptly returned to the stage, cutting the umbilical cord with a stone, is a testament to her unwavering commitment. Shraddha Kapoor Shares Dance Video on Michael Jackson’s ‘Bad’ As Beau Rahul Mody Records Her (Watch Video).

Throughout her illustrious career, Vithabai Narayangaonkar received two prestigious Presidential honours (President's Awards) in 1957 and 1990 for her immense contributions to Indian folk culture. Despite achieving great fame and honour, it is reported that she faced financial distress in her later years. Her life story, a powerful narrative of passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to preserving Maharashtra's vibrant cultural heritage, continues to inspire performers and is now set to be immortalised on the silver screen through 'Eetha'.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 23, 2026 06:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).