Check out our interview with NBC’s medical drama “Nurses” actress Sandy Sidhu who stars as Nazneen Khan.
Nurses follows five young nurses working on the frontlines of a busy downtown Toronto hospital, dedicating their lives to helping others, while struggling to help themselves. Sandy’s character Nazneen left India to start a new life and her first job (ever) is a nurse in Canada. She comes from a very wealthy family. Throughout the course of the show, you discover Naz is in a free fall of rediscovering who she is outside of the familiar patterns of home.
Outside of acting, Sandy’s other passions include painting, hiking, and reading. Sandy is also a big believer in self-love and is passionate about inspiring others to live their most authentic lives.
Follow Sandy @sandysid
Hi Sandy, please tell us a little about you
I’m a west coast island girl who grew up off the coast of Vancouver. My sister says I ruin every outfit I wear by always wearing running shoes. I just got a new puppy named Bentley.
How did you get started into acting? How did it change your life?
I was 14 when I discovered theatre. It happened on opening night. A switch turned on in my heart, and I haven’t been able to find the off switch since. Whenever you walk a path that’s met with struggle, failure and repeated rejection, it inevitably shapes you. You either quit or you grow from it and keep going. What people don’t speak about very much is it’s not the success that’s the most rewarding part about pursuing what you love, but also who you become in the process. You learn so much about yourself.
What is the best and most challenging part of being an actress?
The best part about being an actress is I get to do what I love. I just love acting. I don’t know where that love came from, and I don’t know how to get rid of it. It’s just there. The worst thing about acting is the instability of the job. It’s impossible to know where your career is going to go. That’s why I have the utmost respect for every single actor and artist out there. Choosing a path of financial instability, for the pursuit of what you love, requires a lot of bravery, faith and courage.
Tell us about your work in the new NBC series “Nurses”
It’s a coming of age series following five rookie nurses, fresh out of school, working the frontlines of a busy downtown Toronto hospital, dedicating their lives to helping others, while also struggling to help themselves. One of the things that makes Nurses special is this bond that forms between our five nurses, as they try to find a work/life balance.
How do you prepare for a role?
My preparation depends on the role. I have different levels of understanding of a character, and what I need to work on to deepen my understanding of the role will vary. One thing that’s consistent for me is I’ll read the script multiple times to let the story sink it as a whole .
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
There isn’t one kind of role in particular I’d play. It’s a gut reaction to a script.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
When audiences connect to the story you’re a part of and feel something. There’s no greater reward.
How would your best friend describe you?
Oh god. I don’t know. It depends on which best friend. A nerd would probably be said amongst all of them though.
What’s next for Sandy Sidhu in 2021?
Right now I’m in Regina filming an independent film. And we’ll see if we return to season 3 for Nurses.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love wild rice with sautéed vegetables. Drool worthy. But you have to cook the wild rice right, otherwise it’s not good.
And your favorite cheat food?
Chips.
How would you explain your fashion style?
I’d say it tends to be elegant and refined. I go for simple pieces that are cut well and flatter my body.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Living an authentic life by being true to yourself and sharing your journey with loved ones.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Victor Frankl. He wrote Man’s Search for Meaning and that book made a profound impact on my life. I would’ve loved to have met him.
Best advice ever given?
It depends on where I’m at in my life and what I need to hear. Right now, I think the best advice is “This too shall pass.” The good and the bad.
Do you support any charities?
I support BC Children’s Hospital and War Child Canada.
Where do you see yourself and your career five years from now?
I hope to be someone who has even more love for life and those around me and even more love for myself. I think self love and love for the world are intertwined. Career wise, I just hope I continue to be a part of impactful stories and to keep paying my bills with acting.
Favorite song? Why?
Bohemian Rhapsody. I don’t know why. It’s just so beautiful.
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s love hate. Incredible social movements, like #metoo and #blacklivesmatter, have been accomplished through the power of social media. It’s a wonderful and simple way to connect to the community outside of your personal bubble. But the mental health repercussions from prolonged use and over exposure to our apps is a real thing.
Where can we follow you?
I’m only on instagram at @sandysid. Thank you for your time.
