In an engaging interview with TooFab, the talented actress delved into her character Dr. Samira Mohan’s relationship with Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, played by Noah Wyle. She articulated her belief that Mohan perceives Robby not merely as a senior attending but as a pivotal father figure, which adds complexity to their interactions within the high-stakes environment of the hospital.

As devoted followers of the medical drama are aware, Dr. Mohan, who reveals early on that she lost her father during childhood, often benefits from Robby’s guidance. He consistently encourages her to prioritize her patients more effectively, as she tends to invest extra time with them compared to her colleagues in the emergency room (ER), highlighting the emotional burden and dedication she carries in her role.

Despite Robby being her superior, Dr. Mohan remains steadfast in her approach to patient care, even if it means facing criticism. However, this does not imply that receiving reprimands from him is devoid of emotional impact; rather, it adds a layer of complexity to her professional development.

When asked whether she believes her character regards Robby as a paternal figure in her life, Ganesh confidently affirmed, “Oh, absolutely.”

“I definitely think that’s why the relationship is… I don’t want to use the word tense, but I think it’s layered,” she elaborated to TooFab. “Receiving feedback from him feels more impactful than from others because she sees him as a significant figure in her life, which adds emotional depth to their interactions.”

“I believe sometimes people misinterpret her defensiveness. It isn’t solely that,” Ganesh clarified. “She feels like, ‘This is my dad, and why doesn’t he like me? Why doesn’t he support me?’ This highlights the emotional turmoil she experiences in their relationship.”

“I think there’s definitely some transference happening for her with him,” she added, indicating the psychological complexities that enrich her character’s storyline.

Ganesh expressed that it is “very interesting” to observe how audiences respond to Mohan’s relationship with Robby, remarking that she appreciates that fans are “picking up on it.” However, she humorously noted that the thirst tweets directed at Wyle make her feel a bit uncomfortable — likely a natural reaction for someone viewing fan edits of their father.

“[It’s] so bizarre to see thirst traps of Noah because, in my head, I’m like, ‘That’s my dad! Please stop making thirst traps of my dad!’” she remarked, laughing, highlighting the unique challenges of balancing personal and professional perceptions.

In contrast to other medical dramas, The Pitt distinguishes itself through its diverse cast. Ganesh is among several talented South Asian actresses in the series, including Shabana Azeez, who plays third-year medical student Victoria Javadi, Deepti Gupta as Javadi’s mother Dr. Eileen Shamsi, and Sasha Bhasin, who portrays Nandi, a beauty influencer featured in multiple episodes.

Ganesh reflected on the significance of the show’s diverse representation, particularly regarding South Asian visibility in media, and how it contributes to broader cultural conversations.

“Oh my gosh. I’m gonna cry,” she said with a warm laugh, reflecting on the emotional impact of being part of such a groundbreaking project.

“I believe it has been really therapeutic because I’ve lost roles before due to casting decisions favoring other brown individuals; they just didn’t want two in the same project, and that was genuinely the main reason,” she explained, shedding light on the challenges faced in the industry.

“I still remember getting the first call sheet when we were doing the medical boot camp and seeing Shabana’s name on there and just thinking, ‘Oh my God. Wait.’ … I remember looking her up and I was like, ‘Oh my God. Oh my God,’” Ganesh recalled. “I just remember feeling so happy. It has been incredibly therapeutic going through this experience, having us as distinct characters who don’t know each other but possess unique personalities.”

Ganesh noted that the “cherry on top” was when Bhasin was cast as Nandi, and the three of them — Ganesh, Azeez, and Bhasin — shot scenes together, showcasing the power of representation.

“I was like, ‘Are you kidding me? This is so great!’ And I just love how unsaid it was,” she shared. “But it also just speaks volumes that we’re all in a room together, and it’s not about us being South Asian. That’s just good writing for you.”

The Pitt’s success has been remarkable, with its fanbase expanding weekly largely through word-of-mouth and social media engagement rather than traditional advertising methods. The medical drama has also garnered Emmy buzz, particularly surrounding Wyle’s performance. Praised for its medical accuracy, the show stands out by releasing episodes weekly during primetime, akin to classic television, despite being a Max production.

“It feels special, but I’m also not really surprised. I remember reading the script and thinking this was going to be really good,” Ganesh shared with TooFab, reflecting on the show’s positive reception. “I’m just glad that everyone is catching on to what I sensed when I read it. That’s really awesome. I think the show is doing a lot of things right.”

“We’re prestige TV, completely,” she continued. “We’re being called one of the most accurate medical shows in history, if not ever. But I think we’re also leading back into the comfort of good old network TV — it’s appointment viewing, it’s characters you can connect with. It’s something you can discuss with people week by week. It’s not really… something you want to binge. It’s that build-up that I think people are really latching onto. So I just think that’s so great.”

Ganesh added, “I’m just so happy that it’s a show that’s spreading largely through word-of-mouth because people are saying, ‘Oh. I really love this. You have to watch it.’ And I just love that it’s become this cultural phenomenon. It’s just so cool.”

The Pitt premiered in January and was renewed for a second season just a month later. The second season is set to begin filming this summer, with plans to premiere a year after Season 1, showcasing a significant departure from the usual lengthy waiting periods common in streaming series.

Regarding her hopes for Season 2, Ganesh told TooFab, “I’m so happy they’re renewing it so quickly. I think that’s great for the fans. It’s exciting for all of us because we’re eager to find out what’s going to happen next.”

“I’m very hopeful they delve deeper into her character, and I’m excited to explore more of her,” she added enthusiastically. “I believe it could be such a fantastic experience. And yes, I’m really looking forward to it.”

The Pitt season finale airs at 9 p.m. ET on Max.