Conversing with the dead and finding meaning in their silences: how a forensic pathologist cuts the pieces of his life in a new work

2 minutes of readingPuneFebruary 5, 2026 08:59 pm IST

Gorakh Sharma belongs to the caste that has generationally performed autopsies. Now, at 37 years old, he has reached a stage where he no longer has any purpose left and neither does anyone in his life.

Sharma is the fictional protagonist of an 80-minute solo playPriya Pehle Padhne Wale, which will be played by Sanket Handal in The Box on February 8.

“The story, written by Rushikesh Nale, presents many realities. The autopsy work is carried out by people from certain lower castes who pass this skill on to the children of the next generation. The protagonist is from a small village in Uttar Pradesh and moves to Bombay after getting the job to perform autopsies at a government hospital with the help of his uncle,” says Ameya Rudra, the director.

He adds that Sharma counteracts his loneliness by conversing with the dead and finding meaning in their silences. “During this period, he befriends a kind police officer who becomes his only anchor in the city. But tragedy strikes when one day the body of his dear friend is brought to him for an autopsy,” says the director.

Rudra is one of the emerging talents of theater and cinema, with several awards in Firodia Karandak, among others. He works with Suraj Parasnis, who created cutting-edge work for film and media company Theatron.

“We have kept the set of Priya Pehle Padhne Wale minimal. We have merged the setting of a hospital and the protagonist’s house, but we have created a very interesting lighting design. We have placed the door frame on the left side of the stage, so that whenever Gorakh steps out of the door frame, we see the outside world and understand his intentions and achievements. Ultimately, the set design helps us show when he has nothing left in life to survive as a person,” says Rudra.

Dipanita Nath is a senior assistant editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability and urban life. Professional experience: Before joining The Indian Express, he worked with other top news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India and Mint. Primary specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theater and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her “Pune Inc” series). Narrative Approach: His work often uncovers “hidden stories” of Pune, focusing on historical institutes, local traditions and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Their recent reports highlight the cultural pulse of Pune and the environmental challenges the city faces during the winter season: 1. Climate and Environment “Pune shiveres on coldest morning of the season, minimum temperature falls to 6.9°C” (December 20, 2025): Report on record cold wave in Pune and IMD forecast for the week. “How a heritage tree mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights growing interest in Pune’s green heritage” (December 20, 2025): Covers a citizen-led initiative where Generation Z and millennials came together to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. “Right to Breathe: Landmark NGT orders direct PMC to set standards for pollution from construction sites” (December 8, 2025): Report on a major legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. “Hidden Stories” and Heritage “Library within Pune that has nurtured the minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years” (December 21, 2025) – A Venture Center library feature detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product lifecycle. “Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift” (December 18, 2025) – A tribute to legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works such as the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. “The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once the chief guest” (December 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historic role in India’s freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theater and ‘Pune Inc’ ‘Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker’ (December 17, 2025) – An in-depth interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) that explores the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. “Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses” (December 16, 2025) – Part of her “Pune Inc” series, which profiles Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower women-led startups. “How Women Drone Pilots in Rural Maharashtra Are Cultivating a Green Habit” (December 12, 2025): Exploring how women in agriculture are using technology to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for her intellectual curiosity and narrative approach. Whether he’s writing about a 110-year-old restaurant or the complexities of the climate crisis, he focuses on the human element and historical context. His columns are often a mix of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the “soul” of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath …Read more

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