(February 18, 2024) British Indian actress Ambika Mod was 13 years old when she first picked up a copy of David Nicholls’ 2009 bestselling novel, One Day. “Everyone at school was reading it. I remember seeing that orange and white cover all over public transport – it was everywhere,” the actress said in an interview. However, when she was offered the role of Emma Morley – the protagonist of the novel – for a Netflix series of the same name, she outright refused it.
“I never really thought of myself as a romantic fan. I’m very cynical about that kind of stuff—about romance, love, and relationships. So this all feels a bit bizarre,” the actress explained while talking about her reasons for rejecting the role initially, adding, “Also, the sheer weight and responsibility of representing Asian women on-screen was a real shock, especially at the beginning.” But when the producers of the show requested her to take a second look at things, the actress delved into the reasons a bit more and came to the conclusion that she must accept the role for the exact two reasons she’s doubtful of it.
A still from the series, One Day
The show, which faced skepticism soon after it was announced, has now become an unexpected hit. “It was a massive undertaking for me, and for that reason, it makes me so happy that people have loved the series so much. It’s done a lot for me, and I hope it can do the same for other young women who aspire to become an actor someday,” said the Broadcasting Press Guild Award-winning actress.
A chance comedienne
Born to Indian immigrants in the UK, Ambika grew up in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire with a younger sister, Priya. A shy girl growing up, the actress shared that she and her sister were “raised in an environment deeply influenced by their Indian roots, even as they navigated life in England. We loved watching Bollywood movies, dressing up, and dancing.” After finishing her school, the actress joined St Mary’s College in Durham to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in English Studies.
Her passion for comedy blossomed during her university years, and since then, she has showcased her talents at various stages across the UK. “Comedy gave me everything, I wouldn’t be the actor I am I wouldn’t be where I am today,” expressed the actress, adding, “Since I was 18 years old, it taught me who I am, as clichéd as that sounds. I figured out what my voice was, I figured out what I enjoyed. I didn’t compromise because I was doing all my own stuff.” During her initial days, she worked as a personal assistant at Condé Nast during the day and did comedy at night. Eventually, Ambika shared the stage with Tom Harper at the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and took on the role of the troupe’s President in 2017. Additionally, she showcases her skills in improvised comedy at The Free Association in London.
From stage to the silver screen
Her stage performances opened several doors for her, and the actress landed herself a role in the short film, Fair Bnb, in 2018. She also co-created the comedy duo Megan from HR with her comedy partner Andrew Shires. Recounting those experiences, the 28-year-old actress said, “The endeavour felt like a massive fail because progress was so slow. It started to garner attention only after 2019.”
A still from This is Going to Hurt
However, bagging a lead role in This is Going to Hurt, the BBC adaptation of Adam Kay’s memoir, proved to be a life-changing moment for her. Filmed amid the Covid-19 pandemic, she portrayed Shruti Acharya, a junior doctor. “It takes a brutal look at the Sisyphean pressures on NHS staff,” the actress said, adding, “I am very glad that we didn’t shy away from the realities of what it is to be a junior doctor today, because it’s not fair on the people we’re representing. Obstetrics and gynaecology doctors have similar levels of PTSD to war veterans; it’s something that people don’t know or talk about.” The Global Indian won the 2023 Broadcasting Press Guild Award for Best Actress for her role.
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Talking about her current experience on the set of One Day, the actress shared, “It was quite fun, but I sacrificed a lot for this job. I didn’t really see my friends and my family for like eight months, and you’re working 14 hours a day. It made me reflect on what I want my life to look like. I love being an actor, but I think if you’re not careful it can be all-consuming and physically speaking, your body can only do so much. So I think it’s made me sort of recalibrate my priorities in terms of how much time and scope I give my career, and the jobs that I want to do and how they have to fit in with other aspects of my life.”
The actress’ next series, Playdate – an adaptation by Catherine Moulton of the novel of the same name by Alex Dahl – is being produced by Disney+. “It is beautiful and I can’t wait for people to see it,” exclaimed Ambika.
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