The impressive cast of Amazon Prime’s new web series Mumbai Diaries, namely Konkona Sen Sharma, Mohit Raina,Natasha Bhardwaj, Mrunmaye Deshpande, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Satyajeet Dubey are convinced that the series will change the course of their careers.
Konkona Sen Sharma talking about the project says, “Mumbai Diaries 26/11 is one of the most important projects that I have been a part of and the reason behind it is the fact that while I was working on this medical drama, I got the chance to look closely at the endless sacrifices which the frontline workers make, so that the nation sleeps peacefully.”
Mohit Raina says he had to unlearn and learn new skills as an actor to play a doctor coping with the casualties on that fateful night of 26/11. “Mumbai Diaries 26/11 is an intense medical drama that showcases the excellence of frontline warriors. It was difficult to get into the skin of these real-life superheroes, we had to make sure that we learn and understand the various procedures, medical terms etc with utmost precaution while also portraying the various emotions that run through them each day.”
For Natasha Bharadwaj it was relatively easy to play a doctor as she has one at home. “I am privileged to play my character of Diya Parekh. My mom being a doctor, I tried understanding how things work etc. It was an interesting process to get into the character. We learnt a lot through the workshops on the procedures and other minor details. I enjoyed myself a lot as an actor and experienced a different place in me.”
Mrunmaye Deshpande is glad to be part of a series that pays a tribute to to frontline workers on the night of the attack. “There are a lot of movies based on 26/11 attacks but there was nothing specifically on the frontline workers. I am very glad to be a part of Mumbai Diaries 26/11 and play one of the doctor’s role in the series. I have actually lived Dr. Sujata’s life and got into the skin of my character while shooting. I will never forget that experience ever in my life.”
Shreya Dhanwanthary who plays a journalist has still not gotten over the experience. “I was really happy to play a journalist’s role .My character Mansi Hirani character was difficult. I knew my responsibility — to be true to the role and yet play the journalist in a different manner. Mansi lives by the statement ‘Stay Hungry Stay Foolish’ and goes to any length to get stories. It comes at a personal cost. What she encounters on the night the attacks happen, defines her journey.”
Satyajeet Dubey says he is glad he said yes to the offer. “I said yes for the show as soon as I read the script. My character and the story so were so well written that I didn’t have a chance to deny it. Every person on the set was inspiring each other with their own focus on hard work.”
Director Nikkhil Advani feels creating Mumbai Diaries 26/11 came with a huge responsibility. “It was one of the most responsible things that the entire team did in their respective careers. We had to create a fictional series against the backdrop of 26/11 attacks yet we had to keep in mind that there is nothing which goes out of proportion. Our only aim was to make sure that the doctors, ward boys, nurses and every other frontline worker who was there during that night, feels proud about themselves when they watch the series. We have put in our hearts to create this show and the entire team has put in their best foot forward.”
Image source: IMDb