Debate continues regarding the title of Shraddha Kapoor’s upcoming film eta It has taken a new twist after Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s eldest daughter Mangala Bansode Karawadikar publicly expressed her support for the title. Mangala’s clarification comes after objections were reportedly raised by Vithabai’s sons, Kailash and Rajesh Narayangaonkar, as well as her grandson Mohit Narayangaonkar, who are said to have questioned the makers’ choice of the title. However, Mangala has now said that the family has no objection and has explained the importance of the name.
Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s daughter clarifies family’s stand on Shraddha Kapoor’s Itha after title row: “We have no objection”
Speaking to The Times of India, the 75-year-old Tamasha artiste and President’s Award recipient said, “We have no objection to the title of the film. I have spoken to Mohit and requested him not to make any further statement on it. The title is appropriate because in those days, people in the villages where my mother performed would often call her Itha.”
He further revealed that he had already shared this detail with director Laxman Utekar during his research for the film. According to Mangala, the filmmaker had met the family extensively while preparing to bring the life of Vithabai Narayangaonkar to the big screen.
She said, “I have been performing on stage since the age of seven and have heard people calling my mother by that name. We are happy that through this film, people will know about my mother and how dedicated she was to her art.”
This clarification comes amid the ongoing discussion over the title of the film. Immediately after the teaser of eta When it was unveiled, several political leaders, including members of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), objected to the title and argued that a biopic on the great artist should have been named after Vithabai Narayangaonkar. Reports also revealed that some of his family members also shared similar concerns, further escalating the controversy.
However, Mangala’s latest comments indicate that at least one of Vithabai’s closest family members supports the producer’s creative decision and believes the title holds historical significance. According to him, “Eetha” was a name by which audiences in villages affectionately addressed Vithabai during her performances, making it closely associated with the famous artiste.
Directed by Laxman Utekar, eta Shraddha Kapoor plays the role of the iconic Lavani artiste. Produced by Dinesh Vijan under the Maddock Films banner, the biographical drama also stars Randeep Hooda and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in pivotal roles.
The film is scheduled to release in theaters on August 28, coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festive weekend. The recently released teaser has already created quite a buzz, with Shraddha Kapoor’s transformation into Vithabai Narayangaonkar earning praise from the audience.
