Erica Fernandes on 108 Base Hospital Uri: 'Women's strength drew me in'
Synopsis
Erica Fernandes didn't just take on a doctor's coat — she spent a month studying surgical body language and medical procedures to earn it. Her new military-medical drama '108 Base Hospital – Uri' premieres on Independence Day, and the actress says it was the show's portrayal of strong, independent women that sealed the deal.
Key Takeaways
Erica Fernandes stars as Dr.
Major Naina in the military-medical drama '108 Base Hospital – Uri' .
The show premieres on 15 August — Independence Day — on COLORS and JioHotstar .
Fernandes spent nearly a month researching medical procedures, body language, and surgical techniques for the role.
The ensemble cast includes Gashmeer Mahajani , Hiten Tejwani , Smita Bansal , Nikkhil Khurana , and Ayoshi Talukdar .
New episodes will air every Saturday and Sunday .
Television actress Erica Fernandes is set to play a military doctor in the upcoming show '108 Base Hospital – Uri', premiering on 15 August — Independence Day — on COLORS and JioHotstar. The military-medical drama marks a significant shift for the actress, best known for her roles in Kasautii Zindagii Kay and Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi.
What Drew Erica to the Role
Fernandes said it was the portrayal of strong, independent women that immediately resonated with her. 'What connected me to it was the strength of the women in the story. We are portraying independent and strong women, and I feel today's generation can relate to these characters because women are becoming increasingly independent and confident,' she said.
The actress noted that the show's female characters reflect a broader cultural shift — one she believes contemporary audiences will find authentic and aspirational.
A Month of Medical Research
Preparing for the role of Dr. Major Naina was no casual undertaking. Fernandes revealed she spent nearly a month immersing herself in medical content — watching shows, studying surgical procedures, and analysing the body language of doctors and emergency professionals.
'I did a lot of research. In fact, everyone on our set calls me "Dr. Fernandes" because I became so involved in the character. For about a month, I watched several medical shows and videos, studied the body language of doctors and surgeons, and watched videos related to medical procedures and treatments. I hope that research is visible on screen,' she said.
The Cast and Their Characters
The ensemble cast brings together several familiar faces from Indian television. Gashmeer Mahajani plays Dr. Major Aniruddh, while Nikkhil Khurana portrays Major Sameer Dixit. Ayoshi Talukdar features as Dr. Captain Mili Banerjee, Hiten Tejwani as Dr. Col Suryakant Thakur, and Smita Bansal as Lt. Col. Principal Matron Kavita Jha.
Premiere and Broadcast Details
'108 Base Hospital – Uri' will air on COLORS and stream on JioHotstar, with episodes scheduled every Saturday and Sunday. Its 15 August premiere date — timed to Independence Day — underscores the show's military backdrop and patriotic framing. The choice of launch date is deliberate, positioning the show as a tribute to the armed forces at a moment of national reflection.
Point of View
Centring strong female characters in uniform could be the differentiator that earns it a longer run. Whether the month of medical research translates to on-screen credibility will be the real test — Indian audiences have grown increasingly discerning about procedural authenticity since the global success of medical dramas.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is '108 Base Hospital – Uri' about?
'108 Base Hospital – Uri' is a military-medical drama series set in an army base hospital. It features a cast of doctors and military officers navigating both medical emergencies and the demands of service life.
When does '108 Base Hospital – Uri' premiere and where can I watch it?
The show premieres on 15 August — Independence Day — and will air every Saturday and Sunday on COLORS. It will also be available to stream on JioHotstar.
Who does Erica Fernandes play in '108 Base Hospital – Uri'?
Erica Fernandes plays Dr. Major Naina, a military doctor. She prepared for the role by spending approximately a month studying medical procedures, surgical body language, and the working style of emergency medical professionals.
Who else is in the cast of '108 Base Hospital – Uri'?
The cast includes Gashmeer Mahajani as Dr. Major Aniruddh, Nikkhil Khurana as Major Sameer Dixit, Ayoshi Talukdar as Dr. Captain Mili Banerjee, Hiten Tejwani as Dr. Col Suryakant Thakur, and Smita Bansal as Lt. Col. Principal Matron Kavita Jha.
Why did Erica Fernandes choose this role?
Fernandes has said the portrayal of strong, independent women in the story was the primary reason she connected with the project. She believes the characters reflect a contemporary reality that today's audiences will find relatable.
