Anupria Goenka, known for her roles in "Tiger Zinda Hai," "War," and "Asur," has recently opened up about the often-unspoken realities of shooting romantic scenes, shedding light on the emotional complexities and potential discomfort faced by actors.
In a candid interview, Goenka discussed the importance of chemistry, trust, and mutual respect between co-stars when filming intimate scenes. She noted that male actors, in particular, can sometimes feel self-conscious and fear being judged during such sequences. "When you are romancing for the camera, your male co-star often becomes conscious and fears being judged and misunderstood," she explained. This can place extra responsibility on the female actor to ensure a comfortable and supportive environment.
Goenka emphasized the necessity of open communication and being on the same page with both the co-star and the director. Genuine on-screen chemistry, she believes, stems from trust and comfort, which allows the audience to feel the authenticity of the connection.
However, not all experiences have been smooth. Goenka revealed instances where she felt uncomfortable due to the actions of her co-stars. In one case, she recounted feeling "violated" when a co-star became overly excited during a kissing scene. In another incident, a co-star inappropriately touched her during a scene where he was meant to hold her by the waist. "But he almost put his hands on my b**t, which wasn't required," she stated. "He could have put his hands on my waist".
Goenka admitted that it was challenging to address these issues directly in the moment. She recalled subtly correcting the co-star's hand placement and instructing him to maintain proper positioning in subsequent takes. While she couldn't fiercely call him out, she made her discomfort known and ensured the behavior wasn't repeated.
These experiences have led Goenka to advocate for the presence of intimacy coordinators on film sets. Intimacy coordinators are professionals who specialize in choreographing intimate scenes and ensuring the safety and comfort of actors. They help establish clear boundaries, facilitate communication, and address any concerns that may arise.
Despite the challenges, Goenka also shared a lighter experience while filming "Berlin" with Rahul Bose. She revealed that Bose, usually talkative, was unusually shy during their intimate scene. Goenka, who had a crush on Bose growing up, found his vulnerability endearing and playfully teased him. "We weren't technically filming, just posing for some photos. I can't tell you how shy he was, and I loved watching him like that!" she added. Although the situation was initially uncomfortable, the pictures turned out beautifully.
On a lighter note, Goenka also shared her desire to star in a romantic song with Ranbir Kapoor, expressing her admiration for his acting prowess and charm.