Who Was Vithabai Narayangaonkar? Shraddha Kapoor’s Eetha, Who Died Penniless, Rejected Raj Kapoor’s Film

The first glimpse of Eetha has put the spotlight on a woman whose name continues to hold immense significance in Maharashtra's cultural history. The teaser featuring Shraddha Kapoor has finally surfaced online, leaving many viewers wondering: Who was Vithabai Narayangaonkar, and why is her story still remembered decades later?

Eetha, directed by Laxman Utekar, revolves around the life of Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, one of the most celebrated performers in the world of Lavani and Tamasha. While the teaser offers audiences a glimpse of her remarkable stage presence, the real story is far more powerful.

Story Behind The Woman Who Became The Face Of Tamasha

Vithabai was born into a family deeply connected to folk theatre and grew up immersed in Maharashtra's traditional performance culture. From an early age, she was exposed to Tamasha, a journey that eventually shaped her into one of the art form's most influential figures.

Vithabai became a familiar name across Maharashtra and was widely recognised for her commanding performances, expressive storytelling, and magnetic stage presence. She earned the title "Tamasha Samradni", or the Queen of Tamasha, for her contribution to preserving and popularising the art form.

Over the years, she helped promote Marathi folk culture by performing across India and overseas.

The Story That Became Folklore

One of the reasons Eetha has generated significant discussion is its portrayal of the most famous incident associated with Vithabai's life.

For years, stories about the legendary performer have been shared as examples of her immense dedication to the stage. According to popular accounts, Vithabai continued performing even during the final stages of her pregnancy. It is said that she went into labour during a performance. However, she returned to the stage shortly after delivering her child backstage and cutting the umbilical cord herself with the help of a stone.

The teaser specifically hints at this defining chapter of her life by showing Shraddha Kapoor's character preparing for a performance while heavily pregnant. The sequence appears to capture a moment that has since become symbolic of Vithabai's unwavering commitment to her craft.

A Lasting Legacy

Vithabai's talent earned admiration far beyond the Tamasha circuit. Her famous baithakichi lavani performances attracted widespread acclaim, while her rendition of "Nesali Pitambar Jari..." was appreciated by audiences across artistic traditions.

Filmmaker Raj Kapoor was reportedly so impressed by her performance that he offered her an opportunity to appear in one of his films. However, Vithabai declined the offer and chose to remain devoted to the folk-art world that had shaped her identity.

Throughout her career, she also worked to improve the lives of fellow performers and advocated for better support for Tamasha artistes. Her efforts reportedly contributed to welfare measures, including pension support for members of the community.

Her contribution to Indian folk culture was recognised with several honours, including the President's Medal and accolades from the Maharashtra government.

A Painful End To A Celebrated Life

The final years of Vithabai's life revealed that despite her fame and recognition, she faced the difficult realities experienced by many traditional performers.

After suffering a paralytic attack, she passed away at Mumbai's KEM Hospital at the age of 74. Reports from the time suggested that her family struggled to arrange Rs 5,900, the amount required to clear the hospital bill and transport her body to her hometown of Narayangaon for the last rites.

Her daughter and sons were able to arrange only Rs 4,000. Eventually, social workers, cultural organisations, and admirers of the art form stepped in to help the family.

Why Vithabai's Story Still Matters

Vithabai Narayangaonkar's life was marked by achievement, resilience, and sacrifice. She became one of the defining figures of Marathi folk theatre, earned national recognition, and inspired generations of performers. At the same time, her struggles reflected the challenges faced by many artists working within traditional cultural spaces.

Eetha has helped bring her journey to a new generation of viewers. Audiences are once again revisiting the story of a woman who dedicated her life to the stage and played a crucial role in preserving an important part of Maharashtra's artistic heritage.

The film features Shraddha Kapoor alongside Randeep Hooda, Nana Patekar, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and Siddharth Jadhav. Eetha is scheduled to arrive in theatres on August 28, 2026.