Vancouver born Sandy Sidhu is a fast-rising star who found her passion for performing at the young age of 14. After landing several leading roles in other theatrical shows, Sandy felt an undeniable call to the world of showbiz. She went on to train at the notable Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in Los Angeles, where she continued to hone her craft. To date, Sandy has amassed a significant body of work in several film and television productions. She can now be seen in her first leading role starring as Nazneen Khan in the new medical drama series ‘Nurses’.
Thanks for taking the time to speak to us, Sandy. You found your passion for performing at the young age of 14. Did you always see yourself pursuing an acting career?
It’s my pleasure, thanks for having me. I had absolutely no idea I was heading towards a career in acting. When I was graduating high school, I was exploring in my mind all the possible routes I could take in life, and acting never came into consideration. I started acting when I was fourteen. But it was my hobby. My outlet. My passion. It was the space where I let go and had fun. It never crossed my mind once it could be a career. It took enrolling in Biology at University, for me to have the terrifying realization that I wanted to act. My heart had to shout it out at me. And when I did, I was scared shitless.
Please tell us more about your experience at LA’s Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.
It was an institution that allowed me to gain confidence in myself. I remember desperately wanting to train at an established academy. I wanted to grow. And I thought, where better than Hollywood itself. There were a lot of actors I admired that trained with Lee Strasberg and that’s how I decided to go. I used up all my savings to go to LA. I was living on a really tight budget and had to walk everywhere because I couldn’t afford a car. Eventually, I borrowed a friend’s bike. I look back now, and it was one of the most incredible moments of my life. I had just moved away from Canada for the first time, exploring my independence. There were a lot of late-night bike rides to In and Out Burger on Wednesday nights after class. I roamed through the city and defined it from my own individual experience. I was in heaven.
To date, who have been your biggest influences and why?
Steven Spielberg was a huge influence. Jurassic Park is my favorite film. I personally was drawn to his films because they always seemed to explore the ideas of family, morality, integrity, and courage against the odds. He swept us into a fantasy land none of us could ever imagine. We could all universally relate to his projects. I couldn’t imagine our history of films without him. He was a dreamer and he let us dream with him. I wanted to be a part of that experience. And Meryl Streep, for obvious reasons, is someone who I found incredibly inspirational.
Your big breaks were landing recurring roles in Stargate Universe and the award-winning hit television series Grey’s Anatomy. Can you please tell us more about your experience on these sets and the impact they’ve had on your career?
No one knows this, but I quit acting once. I had it. It was too hard. I packed up all my things and my brother picked me up to move me back home. I was going to spend the summer trying to think of what I wanted to do. I remember the morning and afternoon were bleak and I felt this emptiness. I mourned my decision, but I thought I was just one of those people who wasn’t meant to act. But that very day I quit, that very evening, I got a call from my agent that I had booked Stargate Universe. At the time, it was the biggest budgeted show in Vancouver, and my scenes were with Lou Diamond Phillips. I wasn’t so much excited as I was stunned. The universe just went ‘no, you’re not quitting.’ The producers of Stargate Universe were the first team to take a chance on a complete unknown and hired me for their pilot. As an actor, you never forget the people who gave you your first yes. For Grey’s Anatomy, I look back now and can see that it was my break. After that guest star, everything changed for me. I could get into rooms I couldn’t get into before. And Shondaland is everything you hope it will be. It’s inclusive, progressive and Jesse Williams was a total pro. I had the best time. I definitely left the set way a lot more confidence and belief in myself.
How selective are you with choosing roles?
Honestly, up until now, I didn’t really have the luxury of choosing roles. For a large part of my career, I had to take the paycheck to pay my rent. It’s only now where I’m finally in a privileged position where I can make more conscious decisions about the narratives, I want to be a part of.
Are there any particular roles or characters you wouldn’t entertain?
It’s a gut reaction. It’s a personal reaction to a script but I can’t say it’s any one thing, in particular, I’d turn down. I read it for the story and see what the project is trying to accomplish and if I agree with it.
You can currently be seen in the new medical drama Nurses, which recently premiered on NBC. Please tell us more about your role as Nazneen Khan and what audiences can expect.
Nazneen is whip-smart and comes from a very wealthy family in India. She never worked a day in her life until she left home and began her first job ever at St. Mary’s hospital as a nurse. The big question is why? Why did she leave an incredibly fabulous life behind? Why is she now nursing? Of all professions? This slowly unravels as the season progresses. In the meantime, Naz struggles with basic responsibilities in life. Naz never had to learn how to properly take care of herself, and others, until now. Audiences can expect a rollercoaster of emotions, relatable stories, that’s fun and sexy and ultimately aims to honor the hearts of all nurses.
Understanding the importance of philanthropy, you support causes such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the BC Cancer Society, and the BC Children’s Hospital. Can you share with us the level of your involvement and how our readers can also help?
I was Co-President of the Heart and Stroke Foundation at University and stayed with that committee for 3 years. I volunteered for the Canadian Cancer Society in high-school and I donate to the BC Children’s Hospital. It’s important to give back when you’re in good fortune. I simply believed in these causes. 2020 has been a devastating time for so many people. I’d just say to your readers, that if you’re privileged enough to be able to donate, even if it’s just a dollar, do it. In terms of picking an organization, just contribute to something that you genuinely care about.
Where can our readers find out more about you?
I am only on Instagram at sandysid. Thank you for your time.
Images courtesy of ProjectFour
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