Ambika Mod

Ambika Bhakti Mod, born on October 2, 1995, is a versatile British talent, excelling as an actress, comedian, and writer. Her notable performances have garnered acclaim, with standout roles including Shruti Acharya in the BBC drama series This Is Going to Hurt (2022) and Emma Morley in the Netflix miniseries One Day (2024).


In This Is Going to Hurt, Mod captivates audiences with her portrayal of Shruti Acharya, navigating the complexities of the medical world with depth and nuance. Her performance resonates, offering a glimpse into the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and the emotional toll of their work.
In the Netflix miniseries One Day, Mod shines as Emma Morley, bringing to life the beloved character with warmth and authenticity. Her portrayal captures the essence of the story's themes of love, friendship, and the passage of time, captivating viewers with her compelling performance.


With her talent and versatility, Ambika Bhakti Mod continues to leave an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with her memorable performances and solidifying her status as a rising star to watch.


Ambika Bhakti Mod's upbringing in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, provided the backdrop for her journey into the world of entertainment. Born to Indian immigrants, her multicultural heritage shapes her perspective and influences her creative endeavors. Mod's educational path led her to Dame Alice Owen's School, where she laid the groundwork for her future pursuits. She furthered her academic journey at St Mary's College, Durham, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Studies.


During the formative years of her career, Mod navigated the intersection of day-to-day responsibilities and her passion for comedy. Balancing her role as a personal assistant at Condé Nast with her comedic aspirations, she immersed herself in the vibrant comedy scene, honing her craft on stage. Mod's comedic journey took her to Theatrix Performing Arts of St Albans, where she honed her skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals at the Abbey Theatre.


Mod's time at Durham University provided fertile ground for her creative exploration, as she delved into acting and sketch comedy through the university's Revue. Notable highlights include her performances alongside Tom Harper at the prestigious 2015 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and her tenure as the troupe's President in 2017. Additionally, Mod's comedic talents found expression in improvised comedy at The Free Association in London, where she honed her ability to think on her feet and captivate audiences with her quick wit.
Collaboration has been a cornerstone of Mod's artistic journey, as evidenced by her partnership with Andrew Shires in the duo Megan from HR. Together, they brought laughter to audiences with their unique brand of humor and comedic chemistry. Mod's dedication to her craft and her willingness to push creative boundaries have established her as a dynamic force in the world of comedy, with her regular performances at The Free Association cementing her status as a standout talent in the London comedy scene.


In 2022, Ambika Bhakti Mod delivered a standout performance in Adam Kay's acclaimed medical comedy-drama, This Is Going to Hurt, portraying the role of a struggling junior doctor alongside Ben Whishaw. Based on Kay's memoir, the series offers a candid and often humorous look into the challenging world of gynaecology and obstetrics. Mod's portrayal of Shruti, characterized by earnest fragility, earned her widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. Despite some critiques regarding the character's development, Mod's nuanced performance earned her the prestigious Broadcasting Press Guild Award for Best Actress, solidifying her status as a rising star in the industry.


In 2024, Mod ventured into the realm of romance with her role as Emma Morley in Netflix's adaptation of David Nicholls' beloved novel, One Day. Initially hesitant to take on the role due to the intense nature of her previous character and doubts about being cast as a romantic lead, Mod ultimately embraced the opportunity, recognizing the significance of representing diverse narratives on screen. Her performance as Emma Morley received critical acclaim, with critics praising her as a revelation and highlighting the depth and authenticity she brought to the role. The series, which became a global sensation, further propelled Mod into the spotlight, marking a major breakthrough in her career. Additionally, Mod's discussion on the alteration of her character's ethnicity from the source material reflects her commitment to championing diversity and representation in media.


Looking ahead, Mod is set to take on a lead role in the upcoming Disney+ thriller series, Playdate, signaling her continued ascent in the entertainment industry. With her talent, versatility, and dedication to portraying diverse and authentic narratives, Ambika Bhakti Mod is poised to make a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.


Ambika is a prominent Indian actress who predominantly worked in Tamil and Malayalam cinema during the 1980s and 1990s. Here's a selected filmography highlighting some of her notable roles:

1. Thendrale Ennai Thodu (1985) - Radha
2. Punnagai Mannan (1986) - Malini
3. Pattikaattu Ponnaiya (1986) - Ponnarasi
4. Palaivana Rojakkal (1986) - Radha
5. Vetrivel Sakthivel (1987) - Geetha
6. Dharmathin Thalaivan (1988) - Radha
7. Pandiyan (1992) - Pandiyan's wife
8. Annamalai (1992) - Radha
9. Walter Vetrivel (1993) - Kavitha
10. Kizhakku Cheemayile (1993) - Janaki
11. Chinna Thayee (1992) - Chinna Thayee's mother

References

1.  "Ambika Mod: Character of Shruti in BBC's This Is Going To Hurt is important". Barry And District News. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
2. ^ Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall From One Day Take The BFF Test Test, retrieved 9 February 2024
3. ^ "Stage Awards Semi-Finalists 2020". Women Funny Awards. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
4. a b Mulkerrins, Jane (5 March 2022). "This Is Going to Hurt's Ambika Mod: 'I have really bad anxiety'". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
5. ^ "Old Owenian performs at the Fringe!" (PDF). Old Owenians Newsletter: 8. 15 December 2015. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
6. ^ "Catching up with Ambika Mod". DST First Night. 2021. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
7. ^ Healy, Rachael (22 February 2022). "This Is Going to Hurt's Ambika Mod: 'Whenever I did a caesarean I was buzzing!'". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
8. ^ Wall, Natalie (4 March 2016). "The Durham Revue's Ambika Mod!". Her Campus. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
9. ^ "Durham Revue team up with Cambridge Footlights for 'ComedyFest!". Durham University. 10 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
10. ^ Brown, Keira (25 August 2019). "Ambika Mod: Within this main narrative we weave in and out of tight, witty sketches which range from observational to a bit more absurd". The Fountain. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
11. ^ Iftikhar, Asyia (9 February 2022). "Ambika Mod Is "Pretty Confident" She Could Do A C-Section IRL". Bustle. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
12. ^ "Harold Night". 3 May 2019. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
13. ^ "Obsessed with Ambika Mod in One Day? Here's all her other projects you need to watch". Cosmopolitan. 12 February 2024. Retrieved 20 February 2024.