The Hound of Baskervilles draws upon themes of awkward situations and quicksilver repartees

The Hound of Baskervilles gets a comical makeover in a theatre adaptation by director Akash Khurana.

Akash Khurana, director Akash Khurana, Charles Baskerville, Sherlock holmes, Baskervilles, Talk latest news, Indian Express

A scene from The Hound of Baskervilles.

The last sensation Sir

Charles Baskerville feels is terror. His body is found in the morning, with his face contorted in fear, and the
“footprints” of a massive dog around it. Of all the mysteries that ever got Sherlock Holmes out of 221B Baker Street in London, The Hound of Baskervilles is the most thrilling. Mumbai-based Akash Khurana, a veteran of more than 45 productions, however, turns Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s spine-chiller into a comic caper. Based on an adaptation by Stephen Canny and John Nicholson, the play draws upon themes of awkward situations and quicksilver repartees, as well as canine mischief.

When did you first meet the Hound?

When I was in school and used to read a book every three days. I would be very scared. The Hound of Baskervilles was written more than 100 years ago and it can still fill us with wonder and fear.

What leads you to Baskervilles now?

Just a wonderful innovative text by Stephen Canny and John Nicholson and the opportunity offered by Aadyam to stage it. The play is as per the text and not a localised adaptation.

Where is the contemporary socio-political comment in this story?

There is none. This is pure, basic entertainment that does not have the deep thinking of a Baghdad Wedding (a previous production that won Best Play at the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards). I wanted a different kind of funny trip.

How did you scrawl the AKVarious signature on a well-known story?

I was intrigued by the challenges the story posed on the inventiveness of theatre artists, not just actors but designers, stage managers, wardrobe people, and stagehands. All the world may be a stage, but there’s a world backstage, too. Being backstage in a complex theatre production can be just as demanding (and gratifying) as entertaining audiences in front. Split second timing offstage in small spaces in the dark, is as necessary to an enjoyable evening at the theatre as the timing of the actors on stage. Our production tries to bring out this aspect of the theatre by displaying the dexterity of creative artists. At a more personal level, we have tried to pay a tribute to a number of little moments in theatre that have inspired and amused us over the years.

Who plays Sherlock?

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Karan Pandit is Holmes while Arghya Lahiri plays Watson. Vivek Madan, Rytasha Rathore and Vivaan Shah have multiple parts.

The play will be staged as part of Aadyam Theatre at Kamani auditorium on August 22 (7.30 pm) and 23 (4 pm and 7.30 pm)

Dipanita Nath

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. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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