Actor Nandish Singh Sandhu has made his mark as an actor over the years by playing varied roles, be it on the big screen or the digital space. Nandish has repeatedly proven that he thrives on strong writing and layered characters. His standout performances in Super 30 and Jubilee have firmly established him as an actor who brings depth to every role he plays.
Currently, Nandish is earning widespread praise for his role in the newly released Netflix series Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web, directed by Neeraj Pandey. The series, which delves into the intricate world of smuggling, customs operations, and high-stakes investigations, has struck a chord with viewers for its realistic treatment and gripping narrative.
Since Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web revolves heavily around the Customs department, featuring intense brainstorming sessions, sharp interceptions, and probing interrogations, we asked Nandish if he had ever faced a similar situation in real life. Recalling a memorable incident, the actor shared how a routine airport check-in once turned unexpectedly tense.
“I remember one incident when I had to travel internationally for a shoot,” he said. “A few days before that, I had a viral fever and was still recovering. I used to feel cold in between, which happens when you have a fever. At the security check, I took off my jacket and put it in the tray for screening, as they usually ask you to remove your shoes and jacket. I was wearing just a T-shirt and was visibly cold, getting goosebumps.”
What followed was a moment of suspicion. “The security personnel asked me if I was nervous (because of the goosebumps). He probably thought I was carrying something. I told him I wasn’t nervous, I just had a fever. That’s when I realised how sharp their observation is. Whether it’s security or customs officers, they work completely in sync. If they sense anything unusual, they immediately coordinate with each other. It’s a very systematic process at airports, where they narrow things down based on behaviour and instincts.”
The series also prominently features the smuggling of gold into the country, raising curiosity about whether the storyline is rooted in real incidents. Addressing this, Nandish clarified that while the show isn’t based on a specific case, it does draw inspiration from real-life operations.
“Yes, inspiration is taken from somewhere,” he explained. “When you watch the series, you will be able to connect and feel that this could have happened. But it’s not a biopic. It’s not directly inspired by any one incident. During the writing process, a few customs officers were involved in giving inputs and things like how certain situations actually play out, whether a scene looks authentic or not. The writers needed those updates to make the world feel real. So yes, a lot of elements are inspired by real life, even if the story itself is fictional.”
Talking about how he chooses his projects, Nandish said that every opportunity comes with its own set of considerations. “Sometimes an opportunity comes my way, but it doesn’t work out. Either I don’t fit into the part, or things don’t align creatively. That happens,” he shared.
“When the makers want me to be part of a project, the decision depends on many factors. The first thing I look at is the story, the character, and the team involved. What are they trying to say? How important is the character, not in terms of screen time, but in the impact it creates! For me, it’s always about the effect the character leaves behind. It’s not just about being present in the story, but about what the character adds to it.”
With Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web, Nandish Singh Sandhu once again proves that he is drawn to content-driven projects that challenge him as an actor.
