Sayani Gupta recently shared troubling experiences from her acting career, highlighting moments when her personal boundaries were breached on set. While promoting her latest film, Khwabon ka Jhamela, Sayani opened up about incidents where male co-stars behaved inappropriately during intimate scenes. The actor expressed her relief that the Indian film industry has embraced the role of intimacy coordinators, ensuring a safer working environment for performers. However, she also recalled unsettling encounters where professionalism was blatantly disregarded.
In an interview with Radio Nasha, Sayani discussed the importance of intimacy coordinators, professionals responsible for choreographing and overseeing scenes involving physical intimacy to ensure the safety and comfort of actors. Reflecting on her own journey, Sayani shared that she first worked with an intimacy coordinator in 2013 during the making of Margarita with a Straw. She described intimate scenes as among the easiest to perform due to their highly technical nature, which involves precise choreography and minimal emotional spontaneity. Despite this, she acknowledged that such scenes can leave actors vulnerable to unprofessional behavior.
Sayani revealed a specific instance where a male co-star lingered during a kiss even after the director had called “cut.” The deliberate prolonging of the moment left her feeling uncomfortable and violated. She noted that such behavior, while sometimes subtle, crosses the line of decency and professionalism. Without naming the actor or the project involved, Sayani stressed that these experiences are more than just awkward—they reflect a lack of respect for personal and professional boundaries.
She spoke candidly about the challenges actors face in environments where boundaries can sometimes blur. While the introduction of intimacy coordinators has significantly improved the dynamics on set, there remains a need to address deeply ingrained behaviors. Sayani emphasized that such incidents, though rare, can have a lasting impact on actors. The lingering discomfort from such moments often goes unnoticed, overshadowed by the glamor and spectacle associated with the entertainment industry.
Sayani’s experiences underscore the critical role intimacy coordinators play in the modern filmmaking process. These professionals ensure that actors feel supported and respected while performing emotionally or physically demanding scenes. The presence of a coordinator not only establishes clear protocols but also creates a safe space for actors to express concerns or raise objections. Sayani acknowledged that having an intimacy coordinator on set fosters trust and accountability, enabling performers to focus solely on their craft.
In sharing her story, Sayani also highlighted the broader issue of power dynamics within the film industry. Incidents like the one she described often stem from an imbalance of power, where certain individuals feel entitled to overstep boundaries without facing consequences. Sayani’s refusal to name the actor or project reflects her focus on addressing the systemic problem rather than targeting individuals. Her candidness about these experiences encourages a dialogue around the need for greater accountability and respect within the industry.
Sayani’s reflections also shed light on the evolving nature of Bollywood, where conversations about consent and boundaries are gaining prominence. The introduction of intimacy coordinators is one such step toward creating a more equitable and respectful environment for artists. Sayani expressed hope that these changes will prevent future generations of actors from experiencing the discomfort and violation she endured. Her willingness to speak out serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need to confront unacceptable behavior whenever it arises.
As Sayani continues to shine as an actor, her voice adds depth to ongoing discussions about ethics and professionalism in the entertainment industry. Her openness about her experiences invites both audiences and industry insiders to reflect on the importance of maintaining respect and dignity on set. By sharing her story, Sayani contributes to a culture of accountability and empathy, paving the way for safer and more inclusive creative spaces.
Sayani also reflected on how the absence of intimacy coordinators in the past left many actors to navigate these situations alone. She explained that actors, especially women, often lacked the tools or authority to call out inappropriate behavior without fearing repercussions. The fear of being labeled “difficult” or losing future opportunities often silenced those who experienced such violations. Sayani’s experiences resonate with countless others in the industry who have faced similar challenges but lacked a platform to speak up.
The actor described how moments like these can shake an artist’s confidence, leaving a lingering sense of unease that extends beyond the set. She emphasized that for actors, performing intimate scenes requires a great deal of trust—not just in their co-stars, but also in the entire crew. Breaching that trust, Sayani said, undermines not only the individual’s sense of safety but also the creative process. It creates a toxic environment where the focus shifts from storytelling to personal discomfort.
Sayani acknowledged that the film industry has come a long way in recent years. The growing awareness of these issues and the introduction of intimacy coordinators mark significant progress. However, she urged the industry to continue fostering open conversations about consent, respect, and accountability. According to Sayani, ensuring a professional environment is not just the responsibility of intimacy coordinators but also directors, producers, and every team member present on set. She believes that a collective effort is needed to eradicate such behavior entirely.
In recounting these incidents, Sayani also touched upon the broader cultural shifts surrounding the treatment of women in workplaces. The #MeToo movement, which made waves globally, brought long-hidden stories of harassment and abuse to light, including in Bollywood. Sayani observed that the movement empowered many to speak out and demand systemic change, though she added that the work is far from over. She called for continuous efforts to hold offenders accountable and to establish a zero-tolerance culture for misconduct.
Sayani’s story also underscores the mental and emotional toll that such incidents can have on artists. She spoke about the need for more robust support systems within the industry, including counselors and grievance redressal mechanisms, to help those affected by workplace misconduct. Normalizing these conversations, she said, can lead to an industry that prioritizes not only artistic excellence but also the well-being of its creators.
The actor’s candor about her experiences opens the door for others in the industry to share their own stories, fostering a sense of solidarity and collective responsibility. Sayani believes that as more individuals step forward, the industry will evolve into a space where boundaries are respected and professionalism is upheld at all times. She expressed her hope that her experiences, though troubling, would spark meaningful change and inspire younger actors to advocate for themselves and their peers.
Sayani’s revelations highlight the dualities of the entertainment world, a place of boundless creativity but also one where boundaries have historically been tested. Her story serves as a reminder that change is possible when individuals use their voices to demand better. As Bollywood continues to grow and adapt, Sayani’s call for respect, consent, and accountability remains a beacon for a more equitable and respectful industry. Through her words and actions, she champions the belief that no artist should ever have to choose between their craft and their dignity.