Black Doves star Ambika Mod has revealed she sought therapy for depression and anxiety and nearly turned down a major role because of imposter syndrome. The 31-year-old English actress and comedian plays agent Laila Joshi in the second series of Black Doves on Netflix.
The new series sees Helen Webb, played by Keira Knightley, return as she balances life as the Prime Minister's wife with working as an undercover spy. Mod, best known for One Day, This Is Going to Hurt and The Stolen Girl, described her character as quick-witted and chaotic.
Mod on her Black Doves character
Discussing Laila Joshi's relaxed attitude toward killing, Mod explained: "She's quite chill about what she does, her vibe is that it's just a job. She could just as well be an accountant."
Originally from Hertfordshire and of Indian heritage, Mod began her career as a personal assistant at Condé Nast while performing comedy sketches. Her breakthrough came as Shruti Acharya, a struggling junior doctor, in This Is Going to Hurt alongside Ben Whishaw.
Career recognition and mental health struggles
Mod has earned a place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list for 2024 and was named by The Sunday Times as one of the 25 most inspiring people aged 30 and under in the UK and Ireland. Harper's Bazaar UK also listed her among its 2024 Women of the Year.
In 2022, she told The Times that she had sought therapy for depression and anxiety, along with dissociation and emotional repression. She said: "I don't remember a lot of 2019 because I was cut off emotionally from everything."
Imposter syndrome and One Day
Mod said her personal struggles with anxiety and depression were experiences she could relate to when portraying Shruti. She also spoke about the imposter syndrome she faced before her role in Netflix's One Day, admitting she nearly turned down the part and was hesitant to audition for Emma.
She told Glamour: "I always have imposter syndrome, always. Even when I'm not even doing anything remarkable. I feel like I shouldn't be here, and everyone's looking at me and thinking I'm an imposter. I just thought it'd be a massive waste of everyone's time if I even entertained it."
Black Doves season 2 is available on Netflix. Anyone affected by the content of this article can contact Samaritans any time on 116 123.
