Actress Sayani Gupta recently shared her candid thoughts on the importance of intimacy coordinators in Indian cinema and the challenges she has faced while filming intimate scenes. In a revealing interview with Radio Nasha, Sayani opened up about a disturbing incident where a fellow actor continued to kiss her even after the scene had been cut, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries and professional conduct on set.
Recalling the uncomfortable situation, Sayani said, “I could write a book about intimacy. I’m grateful that intimacy coordinators have finally made their way to India. I had worked with one during Margarita with a Straw in 2013. Intimate scenes are technically the easiest to do, but there are instances where actors take advantage, and I’ve been in situations where an actor will linger the kiss even after the cut. It’s subtle sometimes, but it’s just indecent behavior.”
Sayani’s comments shed light on the importance of creating safe and respectful working environments for actors. She pointed out that such inappropriate behavior, often subtle and unspoken, needs to be addressed with the same seriousness as any other form of misconduct. She also emphasized the role of intimacy coordinators, professionals who are now integral to many productions to ensure that intimate scenes are handled with sensitivity and consent.
During the interview, the actress also reflected on her experience during an outdoor shoot in Goa for Four More Shots Please! where she had to shoot a vulnerable scene lying on the beach in a revealing dress. Sayani recalled, “I felt so vulnerable at that point because there were 70 men standing in front of me, and there was barely anyone on set to protect me. With 800 extras and no one close to me, I thought, ‘I just need one person to be with a shawl.’” She highlighted how, at times, actors’ safety on set is compromised, not just in intimate scenes but in various scenarios, pointing out a larger issue in the industry regarding safety and respect for boundaries.
Sayani’s heartfelt words underline the necessity for change in how intimate scenes are treated on film sets. Her advocacy for the role of intimacy coordinators and respect for personal boundaries is a call for a safer and more professional environment for all actors in the industry.
Sources By Agencies
