Few surgeons possess the rare ability to wield a scalpel with precision and a pen with equal finesse. For almost a decade, renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Mazda Turel has been demystifying the fascinating world of neurosurgery for readers, bringing to life Operation Theatre procedures, medical instruments and unforgettable patient journeys. These compelling narratives have now been thoughtfully curated in ‘Bheja Fry: Heartfelt Stories from a Neurosurgeon’s Clinic’.

At his book launch at Bombay Gym, on 3^rd June, 2026, the packed house gave credence to his popularity as a writer and surgeon. He was in conversation with Tinaz Nooshian, independent culture and textiles researcher, who incidentally, in her previous avatar as Editor-in-Chief of Mid-Day had convinced Dr. Mazda that there was a readership for his work!

Explains Tinaz, “This was the first time that a respected medical professional was writing from a personal perspective about the cases that had struck a chord with him. Till then medical columns had been limited to doctors answering readers’ queries.”

Sharing his initial apprehensions, Dr. Mazda confessed, “I did wonder whether I’d be able to give the time a column deserved and also if people would be interested in reading about neurosurgery!” despite a large and growing fan-base across a six-year run of his immensely popular columns which were published in the Mid-Day. These columns have been curated and compiled into his debut book, ‘Bheja Fry’. Published by Juggernaut Books, these 306 pages reveal 68 stories that speak of resilience, love, hope and above all, the human spirit.

Dr. Mazda shared that he plays a dual role in his patient’s lives – as their doctor, but also to, “fill them with joy and optimism.” While most would assume that doctors have mastered the art of indifference, Dr. Mazda belies that myth. When asked by Tinaz if any particular case stays back with him, he spoke about a lady patient who underwent ten surgeries over three months, and just when they thought she was on the road to recovery, she had a seizure and passed away. “We overcame every complication, but nature had other plans,” he sadly reminisces.

“Do doctors secretly enjoy having a God complex?,” asked Tinaz. “I don’t think any surgeon has the temerity to claim to be God,” he shared, admitting to even reciting a small prayer to centre himself during complicated surgeries. He cited cases where medical science offered little hope, yet patients overcame the prognosis and beat all odds, quoting Albert Einstein, “Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.”

Touching upon an interesting topic, Dr Turel shared that while the brain is physical, the mind is more complicated. Upon which, Tinaz questioned if he had encountered, “Any patient who has changed the way you think?” He reflected, “One thing I always notice is how people treat and respond to each other in times of illness,” recounting stories of one couple who chose to stay together despite knowing there was no cure, while another drifted apart. “Above all,” he said, “we need to let go of judgement.”

There were several excerpts read from his book which revealed a writer whose sensitivity is matched only by the meticulous precision that has defined his distinguished surgical career. Dr. Mazda writes with the heart of a healer and the soul of a poet, finding beauty within the complexities of the human brain. In Bheja Fry, he serves readers a delightful blend of insight and humour, creating a thought-provoking experience that is equally capable of evoking reflection and a warm smile.