Jubilee actor Nandish Singh Sandhu on quitting television at the top of his game: ‘My only motivation was to grow and learn’

Speaking to indianexpress.com, Nandish Singh Sandhu shared that while it was a ‘small part’ on paper, its huge impact on the show and all the characters, made him say yes to it.

“It’s every actor’s delight to get more screen time. However, for me, Jamshed’s impact on the story and characters was something I didn’t want to let go. I did speak to the writing and direction team and realised they could see something in my personality. Their conviction gave me more confidence and today when people are talking so highly about it, I cannot be happier. Also, the way Jamshed has been written, he is the catalyst and reason for what most of the characters are doing. As you slowly get into the world, you understand his importance,” he shared.

 

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Talking about how Jubilee came into his life, the actor said he auditioned in 2019 as the show was set to go on floors in 2020. After a series of look tests and readings he was confirmed just before the pandemic hit the country. He said, “I hadn’t signed the contract and was only confirmed verbally. After that, everything was put on hold and trust me it was an endless wait and continuous prayers that they do not change their mind about me.” Nandish added that it was a stressful waiting period as he really wanted to be a part of the show, and he hoped that they wouldn’t find any other Jamshed.

In the show, Jamshed Khan is seen being apprehensive about joining the film industry as that would meaning losing his identity, his name and becoming ‘Madan Kumar’. Many actors like Dilip Kumar, Meena Kumari, and Madhubala among others have in the past taken up Hindu names to work in films. While the practice may have stopped, we asked Nandish Singh Sandhu if he had to let go of anything to pursue acting as a career.

After a long pause, he replied, “I will be very candid with you. When I entered the industry, I was extremely raw. I did not understand the seriousness. I was just having fun and enjoying myself with friends. However, ever since I decided to do films and OTT, I have understood the gravity. Acting is a serious business and so competitive. Since then I have let go of my generalised socialing and want to go out only where I meet people who I want to be, or at least I will learn something from. My perspective about work has changed and everything I do today is aimed at taking me closer to my goals.”

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The actor quit television at the top of his game when he was ruling the medium with his show Uttaran. When asked what motivated him to take that big leap and whether the efforts paid off, he said, “My only motivation was to grow and learn. Of course, the money was good, and there was immense fame but after a point, I realised that there has to be something new, something where I could grow. Everything else in life can be recreated but time will never come back. And I think that was the most powerful drive. As for the pay off, I think I really enjoy being pushed into uncomfortable spaces. That helps me perform better. So I will keep on pushing myself in life.”

Coming back to the web show, the Vikramaditya Motwane project also sheds light on ‘an actor’ and ‘a star’, and how the two terms hold a difference. We asked Nandish if he too believes that the two are different from each other. He shared that ‘stars can be made out of actors and not the other way’. The actor added that unless one is good at their job, one can never be successful.

 

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“Your craft can only help you connect with audiences, and that plays a big part in making a star. Of course, there can be godfathers and mentors, who can guide you but if you do not have it in you, no one can handhold you ahead. And I think that’s the only difference. Every actor tries to be a star but that also brings a lot more responsibility. You are more in the public eye and can influence a larger number of people. There are so many looking up to you. But then at some point, you also get corrupted by your art. Your focus changes to brands and endorsements and acting takes a backseat. It’s thus very important to be surrounded by the right people, who can guide you and show you the light,” he added.

Jamshed Khan’s integrity towards his craft was what set him apart. On a final note, we quizzed Nandish if he was put at a spot where there is the lure of stardom on one side and the beauty of art on the other, what would he pick? With a smile, the actor said, “I would like to strike a balance. I would definitely want to take up that opportunity but try not to get enamoured by the money. The fame, of course, I think every one of us wants. But money shouldn’t be the driving force. And yes, I would also stay true to my craft by picking up characters that give me a chance to explore my skills as an actor.”