Mellini Kantayya is the critically acclaimed author of "Actor. Writer. Whatever. (essays on my rise to the top of the bottom of the entertainment industry)". She is a writer, actor, and humorist. She is believed to be the first actor of South Asian heritage to have a recurring speaking role on an American soap opera-playing a nurse on "One Life to Live" for seven years. Her writing has been seen in various publications, including the hip-hop magazine "Okayplayer" and as a regular contributor to "Huffington Post Comedy." She has been a commentator on NPR affiliates and performs as a live storyteller.