Directors Nikkhil Advani and Nikhil Gonsalves are set to take us to the fateful night of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks with 'Mumbai Diaries 26/11', which focuses on the valiant efforts of the medical frontliners. Knowing that the compelling material demanded strong performers, casting director Kavish Sinha says Konkona Sen Sharma and Mohit Raina were his first choice for the central characters — a Bengali paediatrician battling her demons, and a doctor torn between his duty and concern for his wife who is trapped in the hotel under siege.

“When it comes to a solid Bengali actor, I can only think of Konkona. I had worked with Mohit on Kaafir; he brings gravitas to his roles. Nikkhil sir hadn’t worked with either actor before, and loved the suggestions,” he says

A reading session with the actors, to ensure that they were the perfect fit for the parts, sealed the deal. “Both actors did table reads with Nikkhil sir, where they read with the right emotions and nuances.” 

Though Mumbai Diaries 26/11 is a fictional drama, the casting director says it is the result of intensive research. “The series is about the doctors trying their best to save the victims. We wanted good actors instead of popular faces. We auditioned for every character on the show, except [those essayed by] Konkona and Mohit,” he says, ahead of the trailer dropping online tomorrow.