Supriya Ganesh is making waves with her breakout role as Dr. Samira Mohan in The Pitt on Max. A former pre-med student with a neuroscience background, Ganesh brings an unmatched authenticity to the high-pressure medical drama. In an exclusive interview with Pop Culture Unplugged, she opened up about her unexpected journey from medicine to acting, the challenges of portraying a doctor under extreme pressure, and why The Pitt is unlike any other medical series before it.
From Neuroscience to Hollywood: Supriya’s Unexpected Journey
Acting wasn’t always the plan for Ganesh. In fact, she was well on her way to becoming a doctor before fate—and her passion for performing—led her in a different direction.
“I grew up in India and always knew I wanted to act, but I had to figure out how to get to America to do it. My parents agreed to let me go if I pursued something ‘practical.’ So, I went pre-med and majored in neuroscience.”
While studying in New York, she found herself drawn to the stage.
“I started auditioning for student theater, and something just pulled me in. I couldn’t ignore it. Next thing I knew, I was auditioning professionally while still in school.”
Looking back, she realizes how quickly everything fell into place.
“The pandemic, the strike, all of it felt like setback after setback. But once I got this role, it was like, ‘Whoa, that happened fast!’”
Bringing Dr. Samira Mohan to Life
Ganesh plays Dr. Samira Mohan, a third-year resident navigating the relentless pressure of the ER. The role resonated with her not just as an actress but as someone with deep medical knowledge.
“I read the script, and I just knew I had to do this. It felt real. The logic of the medical scenes made sense in a way that other medical shows often don’t.”
Ganesh admits she struggled auditioning for doctor roles in the past because she could spot inaccuracies.
“I’d read a script and think, ‘That wouldn’t happen. That drug doesn’t do that.’ But The Pitt felt different. It was clear someone with a medical background was involved.”
When asked how she sees Dr. Mohan, she described her as a brilliant but lonely overachiever.
“She’s highly knowledgeable and deeply empathetic, but also a bit of a workaholic. She doesn’t have much of a social life because she’s always focused on her work. That was something I could relate to.”
Mastering the High-Stakes World of the ER
One of the unique aspects of The Pitt is its real-time storytelling, where each episode covers a single hospital shift. This format adds an extra layer of intensity for both the actors and the audience.
“It’s not just about playing a doctor—it’s about playing a doctor under immense pressure. The ER moves fast, and every decision matters. I had to learn how to stay calm while everyone else was moving at hyper speed.”
With medical professionals on set to guide them, the actors had real doctors and nurses advising them on accuracy.
“We even had real nurses in scenes with us. If something felt off, we could ask for guidance on the spot.”
One of the most intense moments for her was the intubation scene in Episode 5.
“It was tough because you have to make it look real, but obviously, you’re not actually inserting anything. Ashley, who plays Joyce, was incredible to work with. That scene really stuck with me.”
Dr. Mohan’s Journey: Balancing Knowledge, Leadership, and Isolation
Despite her skill, Dr. Mohan isn’t the most socially adept character, and that was something Ganesh found fascinating to explore.
“She’s brilliant but lonely. She’s a workaholic, a little bit of an overachiever. She doesn’t have close friendships because she’s so focused on her job.”
Her struggle extends to her role as both a student and a leader.
“She’s still learning, but she also has interns under her. She’s teaching while still figuring things out herself. And let’s just say, her interpersonal skills…could use some work.”
When asked who Dr. Mohan connects with most on the show, her answer was surprising.
“Honestly? No one. She has the strongest bond with her patients, which is kind of sad. If anything, she might have a mentor-like connection with Robbie, but it’s definitely one-sided.”
A Medical Show That Tackles Real-World Issues
Unlike some medical dramas that gloss over reality, The Pitt dives into social issues head-on.
One storyline that deeply affected Ganesh was the episode centered on sickle cell disease.
“I studied sickle cell in school—I could tell you all the science behind it. But I never really considered the racial bias that comes with it. Black patients in severe pain being dismissed as ‘drug-seeking’—that hit me hard.”
She hopes this storyline, and others like it, will open people’s eyes to real issues in healthcare.
“If even one doctor watches this and changes how they treat a sickle cell patient, that’s a huge win.”
Filming Challenges: Creating a Continuous ER Experience
The real-time format of The Pitt adds an extra level of difficulty in production.
“It’s crazy because everything has to stay exactly the same for months. A small pimple? It matters. We can’t change our hair or gain/lose weight.”
The set itself is a fully functional hospital floor, making the experience eerily immersive.
“I joke that we should just donate it—it’s that real. When you leave and come back, it feels like you’re stepping right back into a working hospital.”
Looking Ahead: Season 2 and Future Projects
While there’s no official confirmation of The Pitt Season 2 yet, Ganesh remains hopeful.
“We just wrapped, so I haven’t even had time to think about a second season yet. But I’d love to see where Dr. Mohan’s journey goes.”
As for what’s next, she’s heading back to New York and taking a well-earned break.
“I’ve been gone for months. I found out I got this role while I was on vacation in Europe, and I had to leave right away. I’m excited to go home, reconnect with friends, and just…breathe.”
Final Thoughts: A Career on the Rise
From pre-med to the ER of The Pitt, Supriya Ganesh’s journey is just beginning. She’s bringing authenticity, intensity, and depth to a show that is redefining the medical drama genre.
“I wouldn’t change a thing about Dr. Mohan, even if she and I wouldn’t be friends in real life. She’s important to show, and I have so much empathy for her.”
With The Pitt gaining traction, it’s clear that this is just the start for Ganesh. And if Season 2 happens, we can’t wait to see where Dr. Samira Mohan’s story goes next.