In the world of acting, intimacy on screen can sometimes be a sticking point for performers. While some embrace it as part of the role, others have various reasons for drawing a line, leading to rewrites and creative solutions. Here are some recent examples of actresses who declined on-screen kisses, and how productions adapted.
One recent instance involves Saanvika, who plays Rinki in the popular TVF series "Panchayat". For the fourth season, the director informed her of a kissing scene between her character and Sachiv ji (played by Jitendra Kumar). The scene involved Rinki and Sachiv in a car, where "she falls down, and then they kiss". However, Saanvika, keeping in mind the show's family audience and her own comfort level, declined to do the kissing scene. This decision led to the scene being replaced with another one. Saanvika stated that even though the producers assured her it would not be shot in a "vulgar way", she still felt awkward.
Actress Neelam Kothari, known for her work in 90s Bollywood films, also initially had a "no-kissing" policy. However, she surprised audiences by breaking this rule in "Made In Heaven 2," where she had a kissing scene with her husband, Samir Soni. Kothari revealed that the director, Zoya Akhtar, was aware of her apprehension but convinced her as she would be kissing her own husband. She admitted that she wouldn't have been comfortable kissing anyone else, especially returning to acting after so many years.
These instances reflect a broader trend of actors setting boundaries when it comes to on-screen intimacy. Several Bollywood actors, such as Sonakshi Sinha and Riteish Deshmukh, have maintained no-kissing policies throughout their careers. Sonakshi Sinha has stated that she finds such scenes uncomfortable and has made it clear to directors that she will not compromise on this matter. Riteish Deshmukh has expressed feeling shy about kissing someone on screen with so many people watching.
Sometimes, actors refuse kissing scenes out of respect for their partners. Brad Pitt, while filming "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," reportedly did not want to kiss co-star Cate Blanchett out of respect for his then-partner, Angelina Jolie. Ultimately, the scene was filmed, but it illustrates how personal relationships can influence on-screen decisions.
Other times, the reasons are related to health or personal beliefs. Thandiwe Newton refused to kiss Gerard Butler in "RocknRolla" because he was sick. Similarly, Reese Witherspoon didn't want to kiss Robert Pattinson in "Water for Elephants" because they both had colds. Denzel Washington didn't want to kiss Julia Roberts in "The Pelican Brief," a decision reportedly related to Hollywood's portrayal of interracial relationships at the time. Kirk Cameron, an evangelical Christian, vowed not to kiss actresses on screen after marrying his wife. For a kissing scene in "Fireproof," his wife stood in as a body double for the actress.
The refusal of on-screen kisses isn't limited to Hollywood or Bollywood. In Chinese romance dramas, some actors have "no kissing" clauses in their contracts. For example, Liu Haocun, star of "Be Passionately in Love," has sparked speculation about staged kiss scenes due to a lack of real lip contact.
Ultimately, an actor's decision to refuse a kissing scene is a personal one, influenced by a range of factors. While it may require creative adjustments from filmmakers, it also highlights the importance of respecting an actor's boundaries and ensuring a comfortable and professional working environment.
