The title of Laxman Utekar’s upcoming film Eetha, featuring Shraddha Kapoor in the role of legendary lavani and tamasha artiste Vithabai Narayangaonkar, became a talking point a couple of days ago. According to reports, Mohit Narayangaonkar, a member of Vithabai’s family, has objected to the title and demanded that the late artiste’s full name be included in it. The film and cultural department of a Maharashtra-based political party also urged the makers to change the film’s title, adding that there was no problem with the film itself.However, Vithabai’s eldest daughter, 75-year-old Mangala Bansode Karavadikar, also a well-known tamasha artiste and a President’s Award recipient, has clarified the family’s stance. “We have no objection to the film’s title. I have spoken with Mohit and have requested him to not give out any further statements on the same. The title is appropriate because in those days, people from the villages where my mother performed would often call her Eetha,” she shares, adding that she had also told Utekar about this when he consulted her during the making of the film. “I have been performing on stage since I was seven years old and have heard people address my mother by that name,” she says, adding, “We are happy that through this film people will come to know about my mother and how dedicated she was to her craft.”Vithabai Narayangaonkar was honoured with medals from the President of India in 1957 and 1990. She was also conferred the title of Tamasha Samradni by the Government of Maharashtra.
