Sayani Gupta has opened up about the challenges she has faced while shooting intimate scenes, stressing the importance of intimacy coordinators on set. In a recent interview with Radio Nasha, the actor recalled a troubling experience where a fellow actor lingered a kiss even after the scene was cut. Gupta described the incident as a subtle yet “indecent behaviour,” highlighting the uncomfortable position it put her in.
On the Importance of Intimacy Coordinators
Gupta expressed gratitude for the growing presence of intimacy coordinators in the industry, a profession that has only recently made its way to India. She shared her experience of working with an intimacy coordinator during the 2013 film Margarita with a Straw, noting that intimate scenes are often the easiest to shoot because they are technical in nature. However, she added that this doesn’t prevent certain individuals from taking advantage of the situation, leading to uncomfortable moments like the one she described.
Safety Concerns on Set
The actor also reflected on the lack of safety and boundaries she has experienced on set, particularly recalling an outdoor shoot in Goa for Four More Shots. Gupta felt vulnerable while shooting a scene in a tiny dress, surrounded by 70 men, with no staff member present to offer her any protection or privacy. She expressed her concerns about the broader issue of actors’ safety on sets, emphasizing that often, boundaries are compromised, not just in intimate scenes but in general. She called for a mindset shift, advocating for better protection and respect for actors’ boundaries during shoots.
Gupta’s candid comments shed light on the pressing need for greater respect and professional conduct on film sets, and the critical role intimacy coordinators play in ensuring safe working