Bollywood actress Sayani Gupta, known for her memorable roles in Margarita with a Straw, Four More Shots Please, and Inside Edge, recently opened up about her disturbing on-set experiences during an interview. She highlighted the necessity of intimacy coordinators in the Indian entertainment industry, shedding light on incidents that emphasize why their role is critical for actor safety and consent.
Uncomfortable Encounters: Sayani Gupta’s Experience
During an interview with Radio Nasha, Sayani recalled a distressing incident where a co-actor overstepped boundaries during a kissing scene. Despite the director calling “cut,” the co-actor continued to linger, leaving her in an uncomfortable situation. Although Sayani chose not to name the individual, the experience prompted her to reflect on the lack of boundaries often witnessed on sets.
“There are times when actors take advantage during intimate scenes,” Sayani stated. “Even after the scene is cut, some might linger, which is nothing short of indecent behavior.”
This incident, along with others, has reinforced Sayani’s belief in the importance of intimacy coordinators—professionals trained to ensure actor safety and uphold boundaries during intimate or vulnerable scenes.
Why Intimacy Coordinators Are Crucial
Sayani Gupta passionately advocates for the inclusion of intimacy coordinators on film sets, a practice that is already well-established in Hollywood. According to her, these professionals play a dual role: ensuring that actors’ consent is respected and fostering a safe environment for performers during sensitive scenes.
Sayani shared that she first worked with an intimacy coordinator during the filming of Margarita with a Straw in 2013, an experience she found empowering. “Intimate scenes are technical and straightforward to shoot when approached professionally. The presence of an intimacy coordinator makes a world of difference,” she said.
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A Broader Issue: Safety on Set
Sayani also recounted a vulnerable moment during the filming of Four More Shots Please! in Goa. She was required to lie on the beach wearing a short dress, surrounded by approximately 70 crew members and extras. Despite the crowd, no one thought to offer her basic comfort or security.
“I felt so exposed and vulnerable,” she shared. “All I needed was one person with a shawl to stand by me, but no one paid attention. It’s not just about intimate scenes—sometimes, actor safety is simply not a priority on set. This mindset needs to change.”
Sayani expressed concern that such situations highlight a broader issue: the lack of sensitivity toward actors’ personal boundaries and comfort on Indian film sets.
Sayani Gupta on the Importance of Changing Mindsets
The actress believes the mindset on sets needs to evolve to prioritize safety, respect, and consent for all individuals involved. “Boundaries are often compromised, not just during intimate scenes but in general. It’s a reflection of a larger issue in our industry,” she remarked.
Sayani’s insights serve as a wake-up call for the Indian film industry, urging it to adopt global best practices to ensure the well-being of its actors.
The Way Forward: A Call for Professionalism
With her latest film Khwaabon Ka Jhamela now streaming on JioCinema, Sayani is using her platform to advocate for change in the industry. She stresses the need for proper training and implementation of intimacy coordination to maintain professional standards during shoots.
As intimacy coordinators become more common in Bollywood, Sayani hopes their presence will lead to a cultural shift that emphasizes respect and consent, ensuring no actor has to endure uncomfortable situations on set again.
Sayani Gupta’s candid revelations underscore the importance of having intimacy coordinators on Indian film sets. By ensuring safety, upholding boundaries, and fostering a culture of consent, these professionals are vital in creating respectful and secure environments for actors. Sayani’s experiences shed light on the challenges faced by performers, offering valuable insights for an industry that is slowly but surely moving toward more inclusive and professional practices.