Most directors will tell you how the filming of an intimate scene is among the most delicate parts of a shoot, as it requires comfort and trust between actor and director.

Over the past few years, Bollywood has been increasingly roping in intimacy coordinators based on the needs of a project. The Shahid Kapoor-Kriti Sanon starrer Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, which released recently, had multiple intimate scenes, one of which was trimmed by the CBFC.

Director Amit Joshi, who shared credits with Aradhana Sah, told us: “It’s important for actors and directors to build trust before the filming begins. Scenes are discussed in detail in advance so that actors can state their reservations, if any. We ensured our actors were comfortable. Today, even actors understand the creative process.”

We spoke to intimacy coordinators, directors, and actors to understand the challenges that intimate scenes pose and how those are overcome during the shoot.

The actors sign a contract document called the nudity rider which details the intimate scenes and the fact that the actor has agreed to shoot them

- Knowing the script: Understanding what kind of intimacy scenes — kissing scenes, disrobing, simulated sex — the script needs. Workshops are conducted to make the actors feel comfortable with each other

- Discussions with the director: The coordinators discuss with the director what they are looking to portray

- Detailing and checklist: The scene is finalized after thrashing out the minute details, such as where the actor will place his hands while shooting a kissing scene.

(Inputs by Akshay Muraka, intimacy choreographer)

“I was working as Shakun Batra’s assistant prepping for Gehraiyaan when I joined (Hollywood intimacy coordinator) Amanda Blumenthal’s training programme. This helped when we were shooting the intimate scenes in the film. In web series such as Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo, and Four More Shots Please! (S3), collaborating closely with directors has given me the freedom to push artistic boundaries. At times, the actors have already figured out what works for them. So, just a conversation is enough to make them understand how the scene will work.”

“During my first few films like Khamosh Pani and BA Pass, we would improvise intimate scenes on set. As an actor, my concern with intimate scenes is to create the right emotions. I have always been at ease with these scenes. I played a lesbian character in Four More Shots Please! (S3). Rehearsals for intimate scenes play an important role.”

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