Sayani Gupta recalls when actor who ‘lingered the kiss’ even after scene was cut: ‘That’s just indecent behaviour’

Deepak Kumar August 29, 2023

Sayani Gupta, a talented and outspoken Indian actress, recently shared a troubling experience she faced on a film set, offering a candid and important reflection on the issue of consent and boundaries in the entertainment industry. In a public statement, Sayani recalled a time when she was involved in a scene that required her to kiss a co-actor, but the moment became uncomfortable and disturbing when the actor “lingered” after the scene was supposed to have ended. Her words shed light on a serious issue of unprofessional and inappropriate behavior on set, as well as the challenges faced by women in the industry when it comes to asserting their boundaries in intimate scenes. This revelation by Sayani Gupta has sparked significant conversation about the importance of consent in intimate moments between actors, especially in the Indian film industry, which has traditionally been less open to discussions about the ethical treatment of actors, particularly women, during filming. Sayani’s experience is not isolated but rather part of a broader pattern where actresses are often expected to endure uncomfortable or even inappropriate behavior on set without sufficient support from the production teams or the industry as a whole. Sayani Gupta, who is known for her roles in films like Margarita with a Straw, Article 15, and Four More Shots Please!, is an actress who is not afraid to speak out about issues that affect the industry, especially those related to sexual harassment, gender equality, and the need for better professional conduct on set. In her recent interview, she recounted a particularly disturbing experience in which she was required to film a kissing scene with a co-actor. According to Sayani, while the scene was being shot, the director called “cut,” signaling the end of the scene. However, her co-actor continued to hold the kiss and “lingered” after the scene had been concluded. This behavior, which Sayani described as “indecent,” made her uncomfortable and highlighted a clear breach of professional boundaries. Sayani was quick to point out that the moment was not only inappropriate but also disrespectful. The fact that the actor did not respect the moment when the director had already called for the scene to stop, and instead chose to continue the act without any regard for her discomfort, was an instance of a power imbalance being abused. This lack of respect for her boundaries reflects a larger issue where female actors, particularly in intimate scenes, are often subjected to situations that blur the line between acting and personal space. Sayani’s boldness in recalling the incident is a significant moment for the industry. Her openness about the uncomfortable nature of the scene and her condemnation of the actor’s actions serves as a powerful reminder that consent and mutual respect are non-negotiable, regardless of the nature of the scene being filmed. In discussing this incident, Sayani is not only addressing her personal experience but also opening a broader conversation about the treatment of women in the film industry, particularly in intimate situations. In her recounting of the event, Sayani emphasized the importance of creating a safe working environment for actors, particularly in scenes that involve intimacy. She underscored the need for clear communication, respect, and consent between all parties involved, which is crucial to ensuring that actors feel comfortable and secure during the filming process. Her call for professionalism on set highlights a significant gap in the industry’s approach to handling intimate scenes.

In the past, the Indian film industry has often glossed over the need for a formal mechanism to ensure consent in intimate scenes. While the concept of an intimacy coordinator — a person who works on set to ensure that actors’ boundaries are respected during intimate scenes — is gaining traction in the West, this practice is not as well-established in India. Sayani’s experience reveals just how critical it is for the industry to develop better systems for managing such scenes, ensuring that they are filmed with mutual respect and understanding. Consent is not just about agreeing to perform a scene but also about ensuring that actors feel comfortable at every step of the process, whether it’s during rehearsals, the actual shoot, or after the scene has been completed. This is where the role of directors, producers, and co-actors becomes vital. It is not enough to simply ask for consent at the beginning of a scene; there needs to be an ongoing dialogue throughout the process to ensure that everyone involved feels safe and respected. The incident that Sayani Gupta recalled is a stark reminder of how even one actor’s lack of respect for these boundaries can lead to significant emotional and psychological discomfort for their co-actor. Sayani’s decision to speak out about the incident also draws attention to the larger issue of silence that has historically permeated the film industry when it comes to inappropriate behavior. Female actors, especially in Bollywood and other parts of the Indian film industry, have long been expected to remain silent about their discomforts and experiences of harassment, often due to the power dynamics at play. The pressure to maintain a good professional reputation and avoid conflict in an industry known for its competitiveness can make it difficult for many women to speak out, even when they experience inappropriate behavior on set. In recent years, however, there has been a shift in the narrative. Following the #MeToo movement, which gained momentum globally in 2017 and led to widespread revelations of harassment across various industries, more and more women in the entertainment sector have started speaking out about their experiences. This includes not only actresses but also technicians, crew members, and writers who have faced harassment and exploitation in the workplace. Sayani Gupta’s recounting of her experience is part of this ongoing shift, as actresses begin to use their voices to demand better treatment and advocate for a more equitable and respectful work environment. Sayani’s act of speaking up is also a call to other women in the industry to not tolerate such behavior .

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