Four women, four different times: A play that revolves around questions of truth, freedom & justice
Parna Pethe overcame nerves and directed a play. It took off like an airplane to some of the biggest theatre festivals. In 2026, the voices of Pethes four women will be heard across India
Actor Parna Pethe, known for Marathi and Hindi films, says it took years to find the confidence to step into direction despite being surrounded by accomplished filmmakers.
Parna Pethe has many acclaimed Marathi and Hindi films, and experimental plays to her name – so she did not even notice when she conditioned herself to see herself only as an actor. Pethe had many good directors around her, including her father Atul Pethe and her husband, Alok Rajwade. “I really wanted to direct a piece for a long time but didn’t have the courage or the confidence to do so in these years,” she says.
When Pethe came across a script by eminent author and journalist Shanta Gokhale, Something Like Truth, it immediately resonated with what she was reading and thinking at that time. “When we did the rehearsals, it was just about ki ye natak stage hona chahiye aur just let’s at least start with it,” she says.
Hard Times
Something Like Truth revolves around four women living in different times of the world. It is a monologue-based play that revolves around questions of truth, freedom and justice. The plot spans 19th-century France, early 2000s India, and post-war Sri Lanka and is a fictional interpretation of familiar events. The play invites audiences to reflect on truth, freedom and justice in the present, ideologically-complicated times. “The play is a blend of text, movement and live music,” says Pethe. After 25 shows in Maharashtra, the play travelled outside for the first time in October 2025, to the Ranga Shankara Festival.
Now, all theatre festivals want to have Something Like Truth in their schedule. In 2026, the voices of four women from Pethe’s directorial debut will be heard across India. January will begin with Something Like Truth being performed at the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, the biggest theatre festival in Asia, the Minerva Theatre Festival, Kolkata, which is supported by the West Bengal government, the BLR Hubba, Bengaluru, and the cutting-edge International Theatre Festival Of Kerala. Adishakti in Puducherry will also be hosting the play.
Being Brave
Kalyanee Mulay, a star of many layered performances, plays a journalist. “The monologues stirred something deep inside me. I am interested in enquiring about whatever has happened in history or mythology and try to find the relevance. This is good. It enriches you, gives a sense of purpose and belonging in society. But, there are very few people who are writing in such a way that shows a mirror to society. Shanta tai has been a journalist and, in this play, my journalist character is trying to figure out what to do with her job when it begins to clash with her values,” says Mulay.
Across the stellar cast, one hears about the need for courage. “Speaking about truth needs courage. Our play has given me that opportunity by building this well-designed production and the festival run has given us the platform to showcase it to all the theatre makers and lovers,” says performer Ashwini Giri.
Sharvari Deshpande adds that Something Like Truth was “an answer to my prayers about wanting to do the work that matters”. “If this show moves the audience, it’s not only due to the creative genius of the artistes involved, but also their profound ability to foster honest and meaningful connections. This show taught me that and I am grateful,” she says. Dusha, a performer, says that she said yes immediately when Pethe reached out to her. “The entire experience has been everything you’d want from a modern production: a collaborative, empathetic team where everyone brings their best. It genuinely feels like a privilege to be part of this ensemble,” she says.
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 Background
Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint.
Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series).
Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators.
Recent Notable Articles (December 2025)
Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season:
1. Climate & Environment
"Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week.
"How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site.
"Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner.
2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage
"Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle.
"Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport.
"The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle.
3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc"
"Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema.
"Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups.
"How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor.
Signature Style
Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune.
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