I saac Asimov was a prolific writer who always managed to elevate what could easily have been pulp-magazine literature to something intellectual. At the same time, many film-makers have tried to immortalise his work with varying success. His Foundation series of stories is among the most complicated.

David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman took on the monumental task of making Foundation accessible to TV audiences around the world and it has struck gold since it first appeared on Apple TV+ in 2021. The second season is set to return on July 14 and with it comes a surprising entry — our very own Nimrat Kaur, who stars in a few episodes as Yanna Seldon.

There are many layers to the story, some of which have been added to make the series relevant for the TV audience but the central figure remains the same as in the Asimov stories — Hari Seldon (played by Jared Harris), a psychohistorian, who can predict the future.

Nimrat was approached for the show towards the end of 2021 when the world was still grappling with Covid. “We were not sure of where anything was going. I was instantly attracted to the show because of the people involved. Number one, Alex Graves (has directed a few episodes of Foundation), who had directed me in Homeland.

And (director) David Goyer needs no introduction. We know the cult status of the work the man has been involved with. Then there’s Jared Harris as if these two names are not enough. Very rarely in one’s career do you come across an opportunity to work with actors whom you can learn from,” says the 41-year-old over a call.

Goyer has the kindest words for Nimrat: “I’ve wanted to work with Nimrat ever since I was charmed by her in The Lunchbox. Then, after seeing her villainous turn in Homeland, I became even more determined. As we were creating the character of Yanna for season two, we knew we had found the perfect opportunity. Nimrat was the only actress Alex Graves and I ever considered to play Hari Seldon’s life-mate. She is a national treasure.”

A PSYCHOHISTORIAN LIKE NO OTHER

The Foundation series continues to appeal to a wide audience. The distinguished economist Paul Krugman is one of the fans of the legendary writer. “I grew up wanting to be Hari Seldon,” he has said. Even Newt Gingrich, who had served as the 50th speaker of the United States House of The Foundation series continues to appeal to a wide audience. The distinguished economist Paul Krugman is one of the fans of the legendary writer. “I grew up wanting to be Hari Seldon,” he has said. Even Newt Gingrich, who had served as the 50th speaker of the United States House of Representatives, is a fan. “For a highschool student who loved history, Asimov’s most exhilarating invention was the ‘psychohistorian’ Hari Seldon,” Gingrich wrote.

So it’s not surprising that Nimrat is keen talking about the Apple TV+ show, which is more concept driven than character driven.

“It becomes a little bit tricky because at times you don’t know what you’re saying. I’m not proficient in quantum physics or psychohistory or any such exciting things. So to be able to sound proficient sometimes becomes a challenge. I think for me the emotionality and to catch the emotional thread of a character is extremely important.”

She states Interstellar as an example of the power of emotions. “With all the science-fiction brilliance the film brings to the table, at the end of the day it’s a father-daughter story. That’s what keeps you going and that’s why you care about everything they’re doing. It is my favourite science fiction film to date. Anything as important or as technical or as complicated as it might be, it comes down to the emotion behind it. Whether it’s an Interstellar or an Inception… I think a world like this also offers that and as an actor my commitment is towards the emotional side of the character,” says the actor.

Of course, at the end of the day, nobody can refuse to act opposite Jared Harris, the star of Mad Men and The Crown. “He is such a special talent and I knew I would come away closer to where I aspire to be as an artiste. I was just waiting to dive into it because of the lovely things that both Alex and David told me about the show and what they wanted me to do in it. It was a no-brainer to agree to the show; they could have gone to anyone but they chose to come to me for the part. And I don’t take these things lightly.”

When Nimrat first appears as Yanna, it’s obvious she is like a vision for Hari Seldon. The way the entire interaction has been conteptualised is dreamlike. Without giving away the story, her character is the linchpin in the development of the plot.

‘I REALLY CAN’T HAVE ENOUGH OF DOING LINES’

The biggest challenge for the star of films like The Lunchbox and Airlift is the VFX and CG aspect, which are a massive part of the canvas. “When I choose to do a science fiction project, it’s very important to know the presentation and the quality of work that you’re becoming a part of. I would love to do more and more of science fiction when an opportunity like this presents itself, whether it’s here or abroad,” she says.

Despite the complicated plot, what kept her going is the thought of being on the set with Jared Harris. “I would just stay on set and just watch him at work. Scene after scene, shot after shot, take after take, and asking questions no matter what… and rehearsing lines… it’s such a deep pleasure.”

She saw first-hand the level of professionalism Harris showcases. “I recall a day when we were shooting and Jared was looking a bit low, he was not his usual self. I found out halfway into the day that he had lost his mother a day earlier. In spite of that he was at work, making sure that he goes through with his professional commitment and then joins his family in mourning. That really moved me beyond words and I just thought to myself that the show must go on. I asked him if he was okay and he just smiled. He said he had to do what he had to do,” says Nimrat.

The need to have Nimrat on the show was discussed early on. Alex Graves says in an emailed statement: “From the earliest days of discussing the character of Hari Seldon’s wife, we knew we needed an international actress with a large screen presence who could hold her own with Jared Harris, but also have the inner strength and depth to portray a key role in the broader Foundation mythology. Having been so impressed by her the various times I had worked with her on Homeland, David and I felt Nimrat would be our dream actress for the role.”

From Homeland to Foundation, for Nimrat it has never been about the size of her roles, it’s about what she can bring to a project. “I don’t consider anything to be lesser important than the other. Such projects have made me realise that when your intention is right, and when you enter something with the right state of mind and right reasons, it will always land right. Does that mean that the project is like a box-office super success? Sure. But is that all? No, it is the experience, it’s the journey. It’s what you learn that’s important. Did you feel loved? And did you feel warm? And did you like yourself through the entire process? For me, it’s all about that.”

Like Graves has said, Nimrat’s wit and intelligence not only make her immediately fascinating as a new character in the series, but “as her performance plays out, the audience understands instantly not only why she is the love of Hari Seldon’s life”.

In other words, she can easily own the characters she plays on screen. “I know I’ll be here and I’ll be working for a very long time. And my constant quest is to never pick up stuff that’s going to bother me or make me feel like I’m burning out. That’s extremely important for me. I’m here for the long haul. And I’m here to entertain,” rounds off Nimrat.