Who Is Ambika Mod? Indian Origin Actor Leading Netflix's One Day

Ambika Bhakti Mod, born on October 2, 1995, has emerged as a talented British actress, comedian, and writer. Raised in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, Mod is the daughter of Indian immigrants, with her mother arriving in the UK as a child and her father in his twenties. 

Her journey into the world of performing arts began at Theatrix Drama School, located in the Abbey Theatre, St Albans, Hertfordshire, where her exceptional talent and promise quickly became evident.

Academic Achievements and Comedy Ventures

Mod's academic pursuits led her to Dame Alice Owen's School, and she later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Studies from St Mary's College, Durham. During her time at Durham, Mod delved into acting and sketch comedy through the university's Revue, showcasing her skills at the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Notably, she served as the President of the troupe in 2017. Additionally, Mod engaged in improvised comedy at The Free Association in London, forming a duo titled Megan from HR with Andrew Shires.

Balancing Comedy and Day Job at Condé Nast

In the early stages of her career, Mod demonstrated remarkable versatility, working as a personal assistant at Condé Nast during the day while pursuing comedy at night. Her passion for comedy and commitment to her craft became evident, laying the foundation for her future successes.

Ambika Mod's Journey to One Day

Mod's journey took an unexpected turn when, at the age of 13, she first encountered David Nicholls' bestselling novel, One Day. Little did she know that years later, she would step into the lead role of Emma Morley in the TV adaptation of the book. Reflecting on the surreal experience, Mod expressed disbelief, stating, "God no, all of this is still mad to me."

Challenging the Norms in Casting

Portraying Emma Morley in the new Netflix series One Day, Mod challenges the norms of casting by bringing diversity to a beloved lead role. Acknowledging the rarity of ethnic minority individuals in central roles, Mod emphasizes the evolving landscape of TV and film, acknowledging the progress made while acknowledging there's still a long way to go.

Rewriting Roles for the Best Actor

David Nicholls, the author of One Day, explained that the decision to cast Mod was based on her qualities fitting the character of Emma Morley. The intention was to rewrite the part to align with the best actor available, breaking away from traditional casting norms. Mod, in collaboration with series creator Nicole Taylor and the writers, ensured her heritage was seamlessly integrated into the character, enriching Emma Morley's identity.

Significance of Non-White Representation

Mod recognizes the significance of having a non-white person play a prominent role, hoping it will open minds and resonate with young women of color, especially South Asian women. The actress believes her casting adds a new dimension to the character, enhancing the richness of Emma Morley's identity.

One Day - A Decades-Spanning Love Story

One Day, spanning 14 episodes in the TV series, unfolds a decades-spanning love story between Emma and Dexter, revisited on the same day every year over 20 years. The series has garnered positive reviews, with critics praising Mod and co-star Leo Woodall's performances.

Life-Changing Roles for Mod and Woodall

Both Mod and Woodall, despite their prior experiences, acknowledge the potentially life-changing impact of One Day, especially if it achieves the success of recent book-to-TV adaptations like Normal People and Bridgerton. Woodall, who read the book during auditions, describes the experience as "a bit daunting."

David Nicholls, executive producer of the TV series, reflects on the success of One Day, expressing gratitude for its faithful adaptation and the new and different elements brought to the screen. The positive response from viewers has taken everyone involved by surprise, showcasing the universal appeal of the story.

Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall's Chemistry On and Off-Screen

The chemistry between Mod and Woodall is palpable both on and off-screen. Despite a short time to build their rapport before shooting, the actors engaged in games and activities to foster camaraderie. This camaraderie proved essential, especially during intimate scenes, where their comfort with each other translated into authentic performances.

Hopes for Recognition and Audience Love

As the TV series gains traction, Mod and Woodall express their hopes for recognition on the streets, driven by the audience's love for the show. Mod emphasizes that the ultimate goal is for people to love the series, showcasing the dedication and passion invested by the entire team.

Ambika Mod's journey from Theatrix Drama School to the lead role in One Day exemplifies her talent, dedication, and commitment to breaking stereotypes in the entertainment industry. As viewers continue to immerse themselves in the decades-spanning love story, Mod's portrayal of Emma Morley adds depth and nuance to the character, contributing to the evolving landscape of on-screen representation.