What does it take to step into the shoes of a legendary artiste who mesmerized audiences for over three decades? For Shraddha Kapoor, it meant dedicating three months to mastering the intricate dance forms that defined Vithabai Narayangaonkar’s iconic career. The actress is now bringing this remarkable story to life in Eetha, and the preparation has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Shraddha Kapoor kicked off shooting for Eetha on November 1, diving headfirst into the world of Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage. The film, directed by Laxman Utekar, is a biopic chronicling the life of Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, a legendary Tamasha artist whose career spanned the 1950s to 1980s. But becoming Vithabai required more than just acting chops. Sources reveal that Shraddha spent three intensive months training in Lavani and Gavlan, two traditional Maharashtrian folk dance forms that were central to Vithabai’s performances.
Why Shraddha Kapoor Was Perfect For The Role
Laxman Utekar’s choice of Shraddha for this challenging role was no accident. With her mother Shivangi Kolhapure being Maharashtrian, Shraddha is deeply connected to the culture that Eetha celebrates. Her dancing skills also made her an ideal fit, as dance forms a huge part of Vithabai’s life story. Lavani and Gavlan, both rooted in Maharashtra’s folk traditions, are widely used in Tamasha, a performance art that beautifully blends storytelling with singing, dancing, and satire.
The Inspiring Story Of Vithabai Narayangaonkar
Who was Vithabai Narayangaonkar? Born in Pandharpur, she joined her family’s Tamasha troupe at a young age. When her father faced financial troubles, Vithabai took it upon herself to restore her family’s lost glory. She rose to fame through her captivating performances and earned the prestigious President’s Award twice, in 1957 and 1990. Despite her success and recognition, she reportedly struggled financially in her later years, making her story both inspiring and poignant.
Eetha Shoot Underway Across Maharashtra
The Eetha team began filming in Aundhewadi village, located 50 kilometers from Nashik. The first schedule captures sequences showing Shraddha Kapoor as Vithabai in her prime. Stylist Sheetal Iqbal Sharma conducted extensive research for the period film, studying the specific sarees that Vithabai favored. Shraddha is seen wearing a saree in kashta style, staying authentic to the character. The production will continue shooting across Solapur, Satara, Nashik, and Kolhapur throughout November and December. Art directors Amit Ray and Subrata Chakraborty have chosen all real locations to maintain authenticity. Apart from a brief 10 day break in late December, director Laxman Utekar plans to shoot continuously until March.
About Eetha
Eetha is a biographical drama directed by Laxman Utekar, celebrating the life of legendary Tamasha artiste Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar. The film stars Shraddha Kapoor in the titular role, with Randeep Hooda and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in crucial supporting roles. Music composers Atul-Ajay have created the soundtrack for this musical period drama set between the 1950s and 1980s.
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