The approach towards intimate scenes in films and shows has undergone a massive transformation. Instead of just focusing on what happens in front of the camera, the primary emphasis is now on what happens before the director yells action. With increasing conversations around consent, personal boundaries, and a secure working environment, intimacy coordinators have become an integral part of productions featuring intense sequences. Recently, for 'Mirzapur: The Movie', actors Mohit Malik and Rasika Dugal worked closely with intimacy coordinator Ankita Poddar during a sensitive sequence.
The Role of an Intimacy Coordinator
Mohit Malik, who shot an intimate scene for the first time in his career, shared his firsthand experience of the process. In an interview, the actor explained how Ankita Poddar helped him and his co-star Rasika Dugal navigate the scene comfortably. This involved discussing boundaries, determining where they were comfortable being touched, and taking explicit permission during the shoot. Mohit also addressed the typical question often posed to married actors regarding their spouses' reactions, stating that for him, the response was straightforward.
Mohit shared, "Before being a married man, I am an actor. I explained everything to my wife Aditi, and when we returned, I asked her if she was okay with it. She told me that I am an actor and it's a part of the character's journey." He credited Rasika for making him feel at ease despite his initial nervousness.
Focusing Purely on Acting
Weighing in on the discussion, Rasika Dugal added, "We could completely focus on our acting because we didn't have to worry about what was acceptable to whom or what the director wanted. Everything was handled meticulously." Both actors emphasized why having intimacy coordinators should become a standard rule across all productions, urging filmmakers not to leave actors to figure out these sensitive sequences all by themselves.
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