Homeland 8: Nimrat Kaur’s waiting for the hatred to return!

A couple of days ago, Nimrat Kaur tweeted, ‘Mean never tasted sohhh gooooood. Statutory warning: Strap up. It ain’t for the faint-hearted...’ She was referring to her role in the award-winning American TV show Homeland. The Lunchbox actress had played ISI officer Tasneem Qureshi in the fourth season of the spy thriller in 2014 and now, she is gearing up to reprise her role in its eighth and final instalment.

From her tweet, we gather that she had quite a blast shooting for it the first time around and can’t wait to sink her teeth into it once more. “Oh, yes, I loved it! In fact, I loved it so much that I didn’t even have to think twice before saying yes to coming back,” says the 36-year-old, about playing the antagonist. The other thing that’s got her excited is the fact that it’s being shot in Casablanca, Morocco, this time. “It’s my first visit to Morocco. I know that Spain is just a boat ride away and I’m waiting to explore all those areas!” she laughs. Nimrat will be travelling back and forth to Mumbai for work and other commitments, but before that, she gives us a lowdown on being back on the espionage series...

Being asked to return for the final season of Homeland is a compliment in itself, but what’s the most special compliment you have received for your role till date?

My favourite one always has been that ‘We loved to hate you’. I have never quite got over that because that’s something I have never heard for any other part that I’ve played. People keep saying that Tasneem is so badass and that while she looks angelic, she is actually so devious and devilish. I got a lot of appreciation for playing such a strong girl in a man’s world and taking tough decisions in a place where you would normally not see women in that position of authority.

What’s going on in your mind as the final season unfolds for you?

The journey will be unpredictable. As I go forward, I will understand how the script unfolds and see what they are going to do with the character. I know it’s going to be an emotional journey for the cast and the crew because they have been on it for such a long time. They will put their best foot forward because the world will be watching. Even people who trail off usually come back to watch the last season of something which has been so successful.

Nimrat Kaur (L) and The actress in a still from Homeland

You have acted in three series — Homeland, Wayward Pines and The Test Case. Are there more offers coming your way and would you like to explore them?

I’m only looking forward to The Test Case 2. It’s being written as we speak. There are some exciting propositions that are around, but nothing that I want to take on.

What about Bollywood? Your last filmi outing was in 2016 with Airlift...

I know! I want to correct that soon enough. I really want to get on with something exciting. God willing, I will be able to find a nice story and do something fun this year. There were many interesting scripts that came my way, but things didn’t fall into place. I’m really hoping things work out in a more rapid and dynamic way this year.