Family, party seek title change for Vithabai biopic

The upcoming biopic "Eetha," starring Shraddha Kapoor as legendary Lavani and Tamasha artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar, has become embroiled in a controversy over its title just two months before its scheduled theatrical release on August 28, 2026. The film's makers are facing calls from the artist's family and a political party to rename the project to honor her official name.

The Maharashtra unit of the Nationalist Congress Party's Film and Cultural Department, led by Babasaheb Patil, has formally requested director Laxman Utekar and production house Maddock Films to change the title to either "Vitha" or "Vithabai." In letters to the filmmakers, Patil argued that while Vithabai was affectionately called "Eetha" in parts of rural Maharashtra, her nationally recognized identity and legacy as a two-time recipient of the President's Award should be reflected in the film's title. He expressed concern that future generations might know her by the incorrect name if the film retains its current title.

Vithabai Narayangaonkar's family, including her grandson Mohit Narayangaonkar, has echoed this request, clarifying they fully support the biopic itself. The family stated they are happy a...