Think about being in the course of a packed efficiency when labour pains start. Most individuals would rush to a hospital. Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar did one thing nearly unbelievable.
She quietly walked backstage, gave beginning, minimize the umbilical wire with a stone and was reportedly able to step again on stage earlier than the shocked viewers stopped her. It seems like one thing straight out of a dramatic movie script, but this extraordinary second belongs to considered one of Maharashtra’s biggest people legends.
Now, Vithabai’s outstanding journey is reaching a brand new era by means of Eetha, with Shraddha Kapoor entering into the position of the enduring lavani and tamasha performer.
However lengthy earlier than the cameras rolled, Vithabai lived a life that was way more dramatic than fiction.
From Actual Vitha to #EETHA
Uncommon footage of Vithabai Narayangaonkar!#Shraddhakapoor pic.twitter.com/wB2DfRpwot— Vaibhav ✶ (@shraddhasfanboy) June 20, 2026
Born Into The World Of Tamasha
Vithabai was born on July 1, 1935, in Pandharpur in Maharashtra’s Solapur district. Performing wasn’t only a occupation in her household; it was a lifestyle.
Her grandfather, Narayan Khude, based a travelling tamasha troupe, whereas her father, Bhau Bapu Narayangaonkar, carried the custom ahead.
Rising up amid vibrant costumes, travelling phases and reside audiences, Vithabai naturally embraced lavani, gavlan and different conventional people efficiency varieties from a younger age.
She by no means attended appearing college. As an alternative, the street turned her classroom as she travelled from village to village.
One Efficiency Modified Every thing
Celebrated Marathi playwright Mama Varerkar watched Vithabai carry out and was instantly impressed by her stage presence. He invited her to hitch his troupe, giving her a possibility to discover theatrical strategies past conventional tamasha.
The Start That Turned Folklore
Among the many numerous tales about Vithabai, one continues to outline her legacy.
In line with accounts of her life, she was 9 months pregnant when she went into labour throughout a tamasha efficiency. Somewhat than bringing the present to a whole halt, she reportedly went backstage, delivered her child, minimize the umbilical wire and ready to return to the stage.
When the viewers found what had occurred, they refused to let her proceed and insisted she relaxation.
Why She Turned Down Movies
As Vithabai’s recognition soared, movie presents naturally adopted.
Amongst these reportedly thinking about casting her was legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor. However whereas many performers dreamt of getting into cinema, Vithabai made a shocking choice.
In line with theatre director Shantanu Ghule’s Marathi play Vitha, she believed leaving tamasha would put the livelihoods of dozens of artistes working along with her troupe in danger. Somewhat than selecting movie stardom, she stayed loyal to the folks custom that had formed her life.
Struggles At Dwelling
Whereas audiences adored her, Vithabai’s private life was removed from glamorous.
As per The Indian Specific, accounts portrayed in Shantanu Ghule’s acclaimed Marathi play additionally recommend that her marriage to Maruti Sawant was deeply troubled. He allegedly managed her earnings and subjected her to abuse, leaving her to battle emotional and monetary hardships regardless of her huge success on stage.
Achievements
She was honoured by the President of India for her work in tamasha in 1957 and once more in 1990. Her performances took her past Maharashtra, introducing audiences throughout India to the wealthy custom of lavani and tamasha.
Her Ultimate Chapter
Regardless of entertaining hundreds all through her profession, Vithabai confronted extreme monetary hardship in her later years.
After struggling a paralytic assault, she died on January 15, 2002. Reviews revealed that her household struggled to clear hospital payments and even prepare transportation for her remaining journey. Admirers, cultural organisations and well-wishers finally got here ahead to assist.
It was a painful reminder of how even the most important cultural icons might be forgotten when the highlight fades.
In 2006, the Maharashtra authorities instituted the Vithabai Narayangaonkar Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring senior tamasha artistes who dedicate their lives to preserving the standard artwork kind she beloved so deeply.
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