Shraddha Kapoor has been choosing her projects carefully. Without rushing into anything new, the actress is diving deep into the character prep.
Similarly, for her upcoming unannounced film with Laxman Utekar, Kapoor reportedly trained in dance forms Lavani and Gavlan for three months. The film, based on Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, is titled Eetha as per early reports.
Shraddha Kapoor preps for Eetha
A source close to the film told Midday, “With her mother Shivangi Kolhapure being Maharashtrian, Shraddha is deeply steeped in the culture. Another advantage was her dancing skill since it formed a big part of Vithabai’s life story. Shraddha picked up Lavani and Gavlan, the two folk dance forms that originated in Maharashtra. They are widely used in Tamasha, which traditionally combines storytelling with singing, dancing, and satire.”
While Laxman and the makers are yet to announce the film officially, the shoot kicked off on November 1 in Aundhewadi, a village 50 kilometres away from Nashik. According to the source, Shraddha’s portions as Narayangaonkar in her prime are being filmed in the first schedule. The insider shared, “Shraddha is seen wearing a saree in kashta style, in the dance sequence that is currently being shot. Stylist Sheetal Iqbal Sharma did extensive research for the period film, including understanding the kind of sarees Vithabai favoured. After the week-long shoot, the team will film in Solapur, Satara, Nashik, and Kolhapur throughout November and December. Art directors Amit Ray and Subrata Chakraborty have zeroed in on all real locations. Barring a 10-day break in December-end, the director wants to shoot continuously till March.”
About Vithabai Narayangaonkar
Vithabai, a popular Tamasha artiste from Maharashtra, played an important role in shaping the folk dance’s legacy. Born in a family of artists in Pandharpur, Bhau-Bapu Mang Narayangaonkar was the family troupe run by her father and uncle. Narayan Khude, her grandfather, was its pioneer. Vithabai grew up around various forms of songs like Lavanya, Gavlan, Bhedik, etc.
Called the ‘Tamasha Samradini’ (Tamasha Empress), Narayangaonkar took the family legacy forward when her father went through a rough phase. She won the most prestigious awards, including the President’s Award in 1957 and 1990. Despite the acclaim and popularity, Vithabai faced monetary struggles. As per reports, her hospital bills post-death were cleared by donors.
Eetha is Laxman’s next directorial after this year’s blockbuster Hindi film, Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna and Rashmika Mandanna. Shraddha’s last film was Stree 2 in 2024.