Shraddha Kapoor brought warmth and emotion to the trailer launch of Eetha in Mumbai, where she was joined by co-star Randeep Hooda, producer Dinesh Vijan and director Laxman Utekar. During the media interaction, the actress spoke about her special relationship with her fans, the affectionate nickname they use for her, and why being part of this film holds such personal significance. She also shared how the story immediately reminded her of her grandmother and the struggles she had faced in her own life.
When asked about the nicknames given to her by fans and her close bond with them, Shraddha revealed that “Babudi” has become a special name shared between her and her fan clubs. She said, “Babudi. Well, that’s something—my fan clubs and I...My ‘Shraddha Gems’ and ‘Babudis’—‘Babudi’ is a nickname we use. Babudi.”
The actress also spoke about reuniting with Maddock Films after Stree 2 and taking on a completely different subject and cinematic world with Eetha. Explaining her immediate emotional response when she heard the story, Shraddha said, “When I first heard the story, the very first thought that crossed my mind—and touched my heart—was that my aaji (my grandmother) would be so proud that I am a part of this film. Given the kind of woman she was—having faced so many struggles in her own life—I know she would be incredibly proud right now.”
Elaborating on how the project came to her and what made the opportunity so special, Shraddha added, “Words fall short when I try to express my emotions. When Dinu told me that Laxman Sir was offering me a film—and Kshitij, our wonderful writer, narrated it to me—my immediate thought was, as I said, that my aaji would be so proud. It’s rare to come across a film that allows for such a deep, personal connection. I feel truly wonderful to have been given this opportunity and to be part of a project like this. After Chhaava, it would have been the easiest thing for Laxman Sir to make another warrior film—but he chose not to. When I asked him about it, he said he wanted to explore a completely different world. I think that was a brilliant decision, and I’m so glad to be a part of it”
Speaking about her approach to choosing films and the unpredictability of box-office success, the actress said, “Look, the success of a film is, in a way, incidental—it’s not really in anyone’s control. I’m just happy that I’m finding good stories—and I do actively look for them, which is perhaps why I manage to find them! Beyond that, nothing is truly in one’s hands. My only goal is to keep doing good work, and I am very proud to be a part of this film”
Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Maddock Films in association with Kathputli Creations, Eetha is a drama inspired by the life and legacy of a celebrated Maharashtrian Tamasha and Lavani performer. Shraddha Kapoor plays the legendary folk artist Eetha Bai, whose extraordinary dedication to her art and personal struggles form the heart of the story. Remembered for her fierce commitment to performing, Eetha Bai is famously said to have taken the stage even while in active labour and soon after childbirth. The film also stars Randeep Hooda, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Siddharth Jadhav, Ulka Gupta and Anant Joshi. Its music is composed by Ajay–Atul, with large-scale musical sequences, including a montage song featuring more than 800 background artists. Eetha is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on December 4, 2026.