Ambika Mod says the ceiling is getting higher for South Asian actors
Roles that changed her profile
Mod has said she wants to change how South Asian women are seen on screen and the kinds of characters they play. She has also spoken about lacking the same access to roles as some fellow actors.
A higher glass ceiling
Research from media watchdog Ofcom also found that people from certain backgrounds are less represented across UK broadcasting, including in creative, production and on-screen roles. Mod said she has been fortunate to play complex roles early in her career and to change the narrative in some ways.
A new role in Black Doves
Mod plays Laila, a lawless agent working for the covert spy operation Black Doves. Her character is introduced in the second season to help Keira Knightley’s agent, Helen, on a mission. Mod said the role appealed to her because it subverted espionage genre tropes. She described working with Knightley and performing extreme stunt sequences together as “such a good time.”
Looking toward her next work
The thriller’s dark humour suits Mod’s dry wit, which she often brings to her characters. Although she has not performed stand-up for about five years, she said she would love to do more comedy. When choosing future roles, Mod tries to follow advice from Dame Emma Thompson: “There’s no such thing as a career, there’s only what you do next.”
Key points
- Mod says systemic racism affects the acting industry and the glass ceiling is getting higher.
- She wants to change how South Asian women are portrayed on screen.
- Mod plays Laila in the second season of Black Doves, alongside Keira Knightley.
- She would like to return to comedy, including stand-up.