Interview by Mckenziee Belton
We got to chat with Sandy Sidhu who can be seen playing Nazneen Khan in the new show Nurses. She talked to us about how Grey’s Anatomy changed her career and filming in the midst of the pandemic.
As a medical drama fan, I enjoyed tuning into Nurses on December 7. Can you tell us about your character Nazneen Khan and how you think she would describe herself?
I’ve never been asked before how Nazneen would describe herself! For starters, Nazneen is whip-smart and comes from an extremely wealthy family from India. She moves to Toronto and starts her first job ever. We’re talking ever, ever! And the big question is why? Why does she transplant herself in a completely new environment, away from everything she knows? This slowly unravels as the season progresses. I’d imagine Naz would describe herself as someone who fiercely loves herself, a big foodie, and a fashionista.
I’m always very curious about the training that takes place behind the scenes to learn the medical jargon and how to perform procedures. What was the process like preparing for this role?
Before Nurses, I was curious too! For all the tasks, we have a real medical professional on set, named Josh, who would go over what we were supposed to do during rehearsals before shooting a scene. He breaks down the thought process and science to a level that we can understand, and then we practice. For the jargon, you just have to get used to memorizing your lines haha. Luckily for me, memorizing has always come easy.
You’re no stranger to medical dramas having played Priya, Dr. Jackson Avery’s love interest on Grey’s Anatomy. What was that experience like, especially filming the tensest game night ever?
Grey’s Anatomy is an inclusive and progressive set. Working with Jesse Williams was fantastic. He was kind, courteous, and a total pro. He made sure I felt welcome and valued. I had a blast. It gave me confidence in myself moving forward for other opportunities. Grey’s Anatomy changed my career and I’m forever indebted to them for giving me a chance to play. Get it? Games night? Worst joke, I know.
Nurses got picked up for a second season before the first season even aired and was set to start filming in March, have you started production again, and do you think the series will cover the COVID-19 pandemic?
We filmed about a week and a half of Season 2 before we were shut down from COVID back in March. We were then one of the first episodic series to get started in North America after quarantine. We successfully finished filming Season 2 without a COVID case which was incredible and an absolute relief. It was stressful but we’re thrilled we can bring the show to audiences again. I can’t talk about what will be covered for the season yet, but naturally, COVID did come into conversation amongst us.
What are five things that your fans may not know about you?
I’m an island child and have a deep love for the ocean. My parents raised us off the coast of Vancouver, on Vancouver Island. I love wearing sneakers. I draw and paint regularly. I just got a dog named Bentley who I love to bits.
I want to highlight your philanthropic work with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the BC Cancer Society, and BC Children’s Hospital. How did you first get involved with these fantastic organizations?
Oh wow. Thank you for highlighting those organizations. It began with the BC Cancer Society and I started volunteering for them when I was in high school. Then in University, I was Co-President of the Heart and Stroke Foundation committee on campus. I was a part of that organization for about 3 years. I donate to the BC Children’s hospital. They’re simply causes I felt a pull to contribute to. If anyone is fortunate enough to donate during these trying times, these would be wonderful causes to take under consideration.