Shraddha Kapoor is all set to play one of Maharashtra’s most popular folk artists, Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar in her upcoming film. Etha.
The makers on Friday unveiled the trailer of the Laxman Utekar-directed film, which offers a glimpse into the life of the popular tamasha and lavani artiste, whose journey was marked by extraordinary performances as well as personal struggles.
The trailer features Shraddha in traditional Lavani attire, performing in front of a large audience.
Several sequences feature elaborate stage setups, cheering audiences and energetic dance performances, establishing the cultural world the film explores. However, beyond the celebrations and cheers, the footage also hints at the emotional challenges that shaped Vithabai’s life.
A dialogue in the trailer breaks the character’s heart. Shraddha’s Vithabai says, “Mere rashak hi mera ghamand tha re, jab wo tut gaya na sabb tut gaya (My trust was my pride, it destroyed everything).” The scene suggests that a personal betrayal has left a lasting impression on him.
The trailer also highlights Vithabai’s determination to keep performing despite the odds. In another sequence, someone reminds him of his contribution to the spectacle and encourages him to believe in himself. Her passion for dance is further reflected in the dialogue, “Nach ke mukabal mein takdeer vi nahi jeet shakti (Even fate cannot win against you in a dance battle).”
Another particularly shocking moment delivers the words, “Pade-pade meri toh bichari kahongi, par nachte hui meri toh misal ban jaongi (If I die lying down, I will say helpless. But if I die dancing, I will become an example).” The exchange shows how deeply Vithabai’s identity was tied to her art.
The film also features glimpses of his family life and relationships, with Randeep Hooda and Mohammad Zeeshan Ayub appearing in brief sequences. In another scene, an announcer called her “Maharashtra ki shaan, lavani ka abhiman, itha bai!” Presented as Before she takes the stage with a troupe of dancers.
At the end of the trailer, Vithabai is seen defending the traditional Navari saree when someone questions her outfit choice. She calls it a matter of pride and an important part of Maharashtrian identity.
Who was Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar?
Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar was a prominent name in the Tamasha and Lavani traditions of Maharashtra. Born in Pandharpur in 1935, she belonged to a family of folk artists and began her journey as an artist at an early age.
One of the most remarkable accounts of his life relates to an incident during a pageant performance. Vithabai reportedly went into labor while performing on stage. She gave birth to her child backstage and was ready to return to performing. However, when the audience came to know about the situation, they insisted that the show be stopped so that he could rest. This incident was also shown in the teaser of the film released earlier this year.
His life away from the stage, however, was marked by many difficulties. Playwright Shantanu Ghule, who brought his story to the stage through Natak Vitha, talks about his difficult marriage with Maruti Sawant. She alleged that Sawant controlled her earnings and abused her.
Vithabai also experienced financial difficulties during the later years of her life. He died in January 2002, with reports at the time describing how his family struggled to arrange money for his hospital expenses. Apart from his contribution to folk theatre, he also worked to improve the lives of Tamasha artists and helped secure pensions for artists through the state government.
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Produced by Dinesh Vijan, Laxman Utekar and Karishma Sharma, Etha Supported by Maddock Films and Puppet Creations. The project brings Suthikar back to Maddock films after working in Luca Chupi (2019), Mimi (2021), Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023) and Chhaav (2025).
For Shraddha Kapoor, the film marks another collaboration with Maddock Films after the success of the Stree franchise.
Apart from Shraddha, the cast includes Randeep Hooda, Mohammad Zeeshan Ayub, Nana Patekar, Siddharth Jadhav, Anant Joshi, Akshara Singh and Ulka Gupta. The film’s music is composed by Ajay-Atul.
Etha is slated to hit theaters on December 4, 2026.