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. Mellini continues to work in television and film today. 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. As a private citizen, she penned a petition to Congress to investigate Epipen price-gouging. The petition went viral and resulted in the pharmaceutical company’s CEO being brought before congress and ultimately the reduction in drug price. She lives in Brooklyn, NY.