Shraddha Kapoor to Play Legendary Folk Icon Vithabai Narayangaonkar in Laxman Utekar’s Biopic ‘Eetha’ — A Bold Shift or Risky Move?

Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor is reportedly set to portray the legendary Maharashtrian folk artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar in the upcoming biopic Eetha, directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan. The film, which celebrates the life and art of Vithabai—an emblematic figure of the Tamasha and Lavani tradition—officially went on floors on November 1, 2025.

What’s the big deal?

• Vithabai Narayangaonkar is regarded as a trail-blazer in the male-dominated Tamasha-Lavani world, celebrated for her performances and cultural impact in Maharashtra.

• Shraddha Kapoor, whose filmography has largely comprised commercial and genre roles, will be stepping into a role deeply rooted in folk culture, classical dance, and emotional gravitas. Industry sources mention that she’s already begun training in classical dance and the specific dialect and cultural nuances of the role.

• The director Laxman Utekar, known for earlier mainstream hits, is coming together with producer Dinesh Vijan for this culturally-rich project, hinting at ambitions beyond conventional Bollywood fare.

Why the move is controversial

• Authenticity vs Casting Risk: While Shraddha has Marathi roots (maternal side), some critics question whether her previous on-screen persona and commercial image align with a raw, folk-art icon. Will audiences accept the transformation?

• Cultural Responsibility: Portraying a revered figure like Vithabai comes with expectations of respect, depth and realism. If the film trivialises the art form (Tamasha/Lavani) or focuses more on star-drama than substance, backlash is possible among cultural purists.

• Box Office vs Artistry Tension: With big names attached and mainstream expectations, there’s a risk that the film could prioritise commercial hooks over deep cultural storytelling. The balance will be delicate.

• Outsider expectations: For Shraddha, this shift might be a chance to re-establish as a serious performer—but if the film under-performs or the role feels miscast, it could backfire and further fuel the narrative of “star kids acting safe”.

What to watch

• How well the film incorporates actual Tamasha and Lavani elements: the choreography, dialect, cultural setting and rituals will matter for credibility.

• Whether the promotion and marketing respect the folk-art roots or turn this into a typical “biopic” formula.

• Reception in Maharashtra vs pan-India: Will the film appeal to regional audiences (who hold Vithabai’s legacy dear) as much as national viewers?

• Shraddha Kapoor’s performance trajectory: Will this role mark a pivotal shift for her image, or be treated as just another film in her multilayered career?

Final take

Shraddha Kapoor’s casting as Vithabai in Eetha is a high-stakes bet—one that blends star power with folk-art heritage. If the film honours the legacy, offers depth and resonates culturally, it could redefine both Kapoor’s career and mainstream Hindi-cinema’s relationship with regional art forms. But if the balance tilts toward surface glamour and commercial tropes, the very factors that make the project ambitious may become its Achilles-heel. Either way, audiences and critics alike are watching closely.