Shraddha Kapoor is all set to play the role of a Lavani dancer in it Etha. The film is based on the life of Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, one of Maharashtra’s most famous folk artists. The makers unveiled the trailer of the Laxman Utekar-directed film at a special event held at Mumbai’s iconic Plaza Cinema in Dadar on Friday, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary life of the Tamasha and Lavani artist.
At the trailer launch, Shraddha spoke about the extensive preparation that went into portraying the folk artist and immersing herself in the world of Lavani. The actor revealed that the trip included meeting many interesting people and understanding a cultural world that was completely new to him. However, the preparation also came with a physical challenge.
Recalling the injury she suffered while dancing during the shoot, Shraddha said, “I met so many interesting people. I went into a completely different world. There was also an accident while dancing on the sets. My muscles were torn. But the team was very supportive. We had to stop shooting because of their love and care, so I was able to get back to shooting.” Lavani; I had to practice a lot.”
Director Laxman Utekar also spoke about the efforts made to ensure authenticity in the film’s portrayal of the traditional dance form. He revealed that the team conducted a week-long workshop with veteran Lavani dancer Shakuntala Nagarkar.
“We got a very senior lavani dancer, Shakuntala Nagarkar, in our office. With her, we did a week-long workshop just to understand adaya and nazakat,” says Suthikar.
When asked if the makers had sought permission from Vithabai’s family to narrate her story, Suthikar clarified that Eetha is not a direct biopic of the legendary artist. The film takes inspiration from some incidents recorded in the book Tamasha: Vithabaichaya Ayushyache.
Shraddha added that the canvas of the film is much wider than the story of an artist. “As he said, this is not just Vithabai’s story, this is the story of all those Tamasha artistes, thousands of them,” he said.
Born in Pandharpur in 1935, Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar came from a family of folk artists and started performing at an early age. She became one of the most prominent names in Maharashtra’s tamasha and lavani traditions, with a life marked by remarkable artistic achievements and personal struggles.
Produced by Dinesh Vijan, Laxman Utekar and Karishma Sharma, Etha Supported by Maddock Films and Puppet Creations. The film Luka Chuppi, Mimi, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke And shadow. For Shraddha, this marks yet another collaboration with the production house after the success of the Stree franchise.
The cast also includes Randeep Hooda, Mohammad Zeeshan Ayub, Nana Patekar, Siddharth Jadhav, Anant Joshi, Akshara Singh and Ulka Gupta. Music is given by Ajay-Atul.
Etha Set to hit theaters on December 4, 2026.