Slices of life

In its third year, theatre fest Hriday Manch explores storytelling with a hint of comedy

The rehearsal of Neem Hakeem Khatra-E-Jaan

With Moliere on one end and four Hindi writers on the other, the world view that will be presented at theatre festival Hriday Manch arches across time and space. In its third year, the festival by Delhi-based Sparsh Natya Rang is sticking to its formula of wholesome storytelling with a hint of comedy. The opening production, Neem Hakeem Khatra-E-Jaan, an adaptation of Moliere’s Le Medecin Malgre Lui, set the mood with a story of a woodcutter who pretends to be a doctor. Things go swimmingly for him and he accumulates vast wealth from unsuspecting patients until the day he commits a big blunder. “We wanted to highlight how we trust doctors and take their word as the truth without asking a single question,” says Ajit Chowdhury, who has directed the play and is also one of the directors of the festival.
Sakharam Binder, Vijay Tendulkar’s complex moral and social play on a man who gives shelter to women, who have been left by their husbands, in his house but exploits them himself, was staged by Himachal Culture Research Forum Theatre Repertory on August 29. Bobby Breaker, a story of a hardworking young man who is stumped only by his stammering, was final day’s production, Aadhi Sadi, which literally translates into half-century. The play is made up of four short stories by four writers who made up the firmament of the first 50 years of modern Hindi literature. “These stories explore the different facets of love. Ussne Kaha Tha by Chandradhar Sharma Guleri is about childhood love, while it is love for a piece of jewellery in Jainendra Kumar’s Pazeb that affects the relationships in a family. Parda by Yashpal revolves around the love for status even under financial duress while Bhisham Sahani’s Chief Ki Dawat reveals a mother’s love for her selfish son,” says Chowdhury.

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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