A female doctor has publicly apologized following backlash over comments she made about male cadavers during an audience participation segment at a stand-up comedy performance.
The incident occurred at a show by comedian Pranit More, where attendees were encouraged to join an open discussion. In response to a question about whether medical professionals maintain seriousness during post-mortem procedures or occasionally incorporate humor, the woman, identified online as Sejal Pawar and associated with Mumbai’s KEM Hospital, shared anecdotes from her anatomy training. She described how she and her colleagues would sometimes compare the sizes of private parts on male cadavers used for educational purposes.
Clips from the exchange spread rapidly on social media, sparking widespread criticism from medical students, healthcare workers, and the public. Many viewed the remarks as disrespectful to individuals who had donated their bodies for scientific and medical education. Critics emphasized the crucial role of body donation programs in training future doctors and argued that such casual or mocking commentary erodes the dignity and trust essential to these initiatives.
One medical student commented that mocking a cadaver ranks among the most serious ethical lapses in the field. Others highlighted the profound trust placed by donors and their families in medical institutions, warning that insensitive comments could undermine public confidence in donation efforts.
As the online debate intensified, discussions broadened to questions of accountability across genders. Some drew parallels to other recent public controversies involving inappropriate statements, debating whether scrutiny should be applied consistently regardless of the individual’s background.
In response to the criticism, Pawar posted an apology on her Instagram account. She took full responsibility for her words without offering justifications or explanations. “I’m not here to justify what was said or explain it away. I take responsibility for it. Looking back, I can see how my words could be interpreted differently from what I meant,” she stated.
The apology followed shortly after the surge in negative reactions and ongoing conversations about professional ethics in medicine. Meanwhile, comedian Pranit More has faced additional attention due to various audience interactions from his recent shows, leading him to deactivate his Instagram account.
The episode has prompted reflection within medical and public circles on the boundaries of humor, respect for human remains in education, and the responsibilities that come with sharing personal experiences in open forums.
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