Introduction
Ambika Bhakti Mod (born 1995/1996) is a British actress, comedian, and writer. She is best known for her role as Shruti Acharya in the BBC drama This is Going to Hurt.
Early life and education
Mod grew up in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. She is the daughter of Indian immigrants; her mother arrived in the UK as a child, and her father arrived in his 20s. She attended Dame Alice Owen's School. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English Studies from St Mary's College, Durham.
While at Durham, Mod discovered acting and sketch comedy through the university's Revue, performing at the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and serving as the troupe's President in 2017. She also performs improvised comedy at The Free Association in London.
Career
Mod formed a duo titled Megan from HR with Andrew Shires. She performs regularly at improvised comedy theatre The Free Association in London.
Early in her career, she worked as a personal assistant at Condé Nast as her day job while doing comedy at night.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | The Mash Report | Sarah | 1 episode |
| 2020 | The B@it | Samantha | Episode: "Ending other people's relationships" |
| The News Quiz | — | Additional writer | |
| The Now Show | — | ||
| 2021 | Trying | Usher | Episode: "I'm Scared" |
| 2022 | This is Going to Hurt | Shruti Acharya | 7 episodes |
| I Hate Suzie Too | Una Finch | 2 episodes | |
| 2023 | Pet Name | Sophie | Short film |
| 2024 | One Day | Emma Morley | Upcoming |
Stage
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Cirque du Sillý | Edinburgh Fringe Festival | |
| 2019 | Children of the Quorn™ |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Funny Women Awards | Stage | Semi-finalist | ||
| 2023 | Broadcasting Press Guild Awards | Best Actress | This Is Going to Hurt | Pending | |
| Royal Television Society Programme Awards | Supporting Actor – Female | Pending |