Mumbai: Randeep Hooda will reportedly play the male lead in the biopic of the legendary Maharashtrian folk artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar against Shraddha Kapoor. The project is outlined as a tribute to the life of Vithabai and the art of Lavani and Tamasha. The casting of Randeep Hooda marks a new chapter in his career, pairing him with Shraddha for a high-profile dramatic film.
The Biopic will be directed by Laxman Utekar and will be produced by Maddock Films. The film is titled as Eetha, inspired from how the word Vittha is pronounced in rural parts of Maharashtra, making the story relatable even more. With life rights reportedly secured from Vithabai’s family, the film seems devoted to a true depiction of the folk icon.
For Shraddha Kapoor, this film signals a shift into more challenging territory. Even though she has given successful commercial entertainers, playing a folk figure like Vithabai Narayangaonkar is a major step. It is not only a story about dance, but the strength of a woman, her cultural affiliation, and her fight in a patriarchal world. Randeep Hooda, the male lead will add depth and versatility to the film.
About Vithabai Narayangaonkar
Vithabai Narayangaonkar is reputed the Tamasha Queen of Maharashtra. She was born in a family of folk performance and mastered Lavani and Nautanki and appeared on the stage at a tender age. She became the top of her career despite the social stigma, financial strain and the physically exerting nature of her job to be the person at the top of her career through her electrifying performances.
There was the well-known tale of how she delivered a baby in the backstage behind a Lavani show – reportedly cutting the umbilical cord with a stone and going back to the stage to complete the performance, which has since become a legend among folk performers.
Also Read | Govinda’s Wife Sunita Ahuja Spills the Tea! In Talks for Bollywood Wives and The Traitors Season 2
