Celebrated stage anchor and writer Hrushikesh Panigrahi left audiences mesmerized with his thought-provoking and darkly comic play ‘Mo Shaba Bahaka Mane’ (The Pallbearers of My Body), presented during Kalinga Utsav, a key highlight of the 11th edition of Orioz, the prestigious biennial event hosted by the Odia Association of Australia. Originally written 22 years ago, this was Hrushikesh Panigrahi’s first ever satirical drama. The play explores the concept of death through irony, wit, and biting social commentary. It imagines how different people would react after the writer’s death — from his neighbour to the vegetable seller, fish vendor, ice cream wala, wife, and daughter. Instead of solemn mourning, the play presents an atmosphere filled with gossip, hypocrisy, mockery, and odd moments of admiration, painting a brutally honest and entertaining picture of how people really respond to someone’s demise.

In Mo Shaba Bahaka Mane, the protagonist — who has passed away — witnesses the reactions of those around him with a mix of amusement and dismay. He listens to post-death whispers laced with sarcasm and gossip. The play uses sharp humour and self-deprecating lines to highlight the duplicity of human behavior, even at funerals. What makes the narrative unique is its surreal twist: the deceased character applies for a one-day casual leave (CL) from Yamapur, the mythological land of the dead, hoping to revisit his world and share one last emotional moment with loved ones. However, upon hearing shallow condolences and tasteless comments, he quickly chooses to return to Yamapur, disappointed and disillusioned.

The play was staged by the highly talented members of the Western Australian Odia community. The cast delivered powerful performances that brought Hrushikesh’s bold and humorous script to life. Ambit Hota portrayed Yama, while Ranjan Singh took on the role of Chitragupta. Bighnaraj Mohanty played Naratma, the central character, with Amit Panigrahi as Dutta and Kunmit Patro as the Neighbour. Mahesh Sahu portrayed the Pariba Wala (vegetable vendor), Mustaq Pilot played the Ice Cream Wala, and Shantanu Kumar appeared as Mamu. Jayashree Sahu played the Machawali (lady fish vendor), with Shwati Mohanty as Naratma’s wife and Sucharita Singh as his daughter. Each actor infused their role with authenticity and flair, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The performance received widespread praise for its original approach, fearless humour, and emotional depth. Audiences were moved by the poignant message wrapped in satire, and many described the play as a reflection of modern societal behavior — where grief, judgment, and personal agendas often collide. Kalinga Utsav, where the drama was performed, is part of Orioz, the Odia Association of Australia’s flagship event aimed at celebrating and preserving Odia language, literature, and cultural traditions. The 11th edition was marked by a vibrant lineup of cultural showcases including music, theatre, dance, and literature, making it one of the most eagerly anticipated gatherings of the Odia diaspora in Australia.