look news india
After the historic success of ‘Stree 2’, Shraddha Kapoor is all set to return to the big screen with the most challenging and powerful film of her career, ‘Eetha’. As soon as the teaser of the film came out, there was tremendous excitement among the audience, in which Shraddha is seen as a Lavani dancer. The film is based on the life of Maharashtra’s great folk artist Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar. The scene in the teaser, in which a woman returns to the stage to perform immediately after giving birth to a child backstage, gives a glimpse of Vithabai’s unwavering artistic practice, which earned her the title of ‘Tamasha Samragini’.
Who was Vithabai Narayangaonkar?
Born on 1 July 1935 in Pandharpur, Vithabai’s life started from the corridors of folk culture. His family was completely dedicated to art. His grandfather had started a traditional traveling folk troupe (Tamasha troupe), which was later carried forward by his father and uncle under the name ‘Bhau-Bapu Maang’. Brought up in a traditional theater environment, Vithabai took to the stage from a very young age. His style of singing and Lavani dance was so influential that it left an indelible mark on the folk culture not only in Maharashtra but throughout India.
The title of ‘Tamasha Empress’ and a life full of struggle
Vithabai was called ‘Tamasha Samragini’ (Queen of Tamasha) for her powerful performances and immense dedication towards the art. His life was an example of passion for stage and folk art. There are many famous stories about him, which reflect his passion, one of which can also be seen in the film ‘Itha’. His presence on stage mesmerized the audience. He died on January 15, 2002, after suffering a paralytic attack at the age of 66, but his legacy lives on. To honor her memory, the Maharashtra government started the ‘Vithabai Narayangaonkar Lifetime Achievement Award’ in 2006, which is still given to folk artists.
What are the expectations from the film ‘Itha’
Shraddha Kapoor’s selection for this role reflects her versatility. Playing the character of a woman who stood courageously on stage despite the ups and downs in her personal life and physical hardships, could prove to be a big milestone for Shraddha. In the film, those untold stories of Vithabai, which were buried in the soil of Maharashtra for decades, will be brought on screen. Fans are now eagerly waiting for this new avatar of Shraddha, which will definitely give rise to a new perspective towards folk art.
