Following the massive success of Chhava, a film on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Marathi stories are gaining strong attention from Bollywood. Now, director Laxman Utekar is reportedly set to make a powerful biopic featuring Shraddha Kapoor in the lead role.

According to exclusive sources, Shraddha will portray Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, the legendary Marathi Lavani dancer famously known as the ‘Lavani Samrajni.’ Though the makers have not yet officially confirmed this, if true, this will be one of the most challenging roles of Shraddha’s career. The film is said to draw inspiration from the renowned Marathi novel Tamasha: Vithabai’s Aayushyacha, which chronicles Vithabai’s remarkable life.

The Untold Struggles of Vithabai

Vithabai’s life was a tale of grit and determination. Battling poverty, societal conservatism, and prejudice against Lavani artists, she kept her art alive against all odds. One famous incident highlights her incredible dedication: nine months pregnant, Vithabai experienced labor pains mid-performance but continued dancing. She gave birth backstage, severed the umbilical cord with a stone, and returned to the stage to complete her act — ensuring full payment for her troupe’s livelihood.

Shraddha’s Marathi Roots

Shraddha Kapoor’s Marathi heritage is well known — her maternal grandfather, Pandharinath Kolhapure, was a celebrated Marathi singer and theatre artist. Comfortable with the language, Shraddha has previously starred in biopics like Haseena Parkar. Though Haseena Parkar didn’t perform well commercially, this new role could mark a significant milestone in her career.