In the film and television industry, the focus during the shooting of intimate scenes shifts from the act itself to what happens before it. Due to increased discussions about consent, boundaries, and creating a safe working atmosphere on set, intimacy coordinators have become an integral part of production, especially in the project 'Mirzapur: The Movie.'
Actors Mohit Malik and Rasika Dugal worked with intimacy coordinator Ankita Poddar while filming an intimate scene. Mohit, who was filming such a scene for the first time in 'Mirzapur: The Movie,' shared his experience in an interview with India Today Digital. He recounted how Ankita Poddar helped him and his colleague Rasika Dugal navigate the scene, including discussing areas they were comfortable touching and the necessity of obtaining permission during filming.
Mohit also touched upon questions often posed to married actors involved in intimate scenes: 'What does your partner think?' Mohit's answer was simple: 'Before I became a married man, I was an actor.' He consulted with his wife Aditi Malik to ensure her comfort. He explained to her that it was a scene, and after watching the film, he asked her again: 'Are you okay with this?' She replied: 'You are an actor. This should be part of the character's journey. It was necessary, otherwise this scene wouldn't exist.'
He recalled being very nervous before the shoot because it was his first experience, noting that the coordinator helped Rasika feel confident. Mohit emphasized that the coordinator ensured they could focus on the work.
Rasika Dugal also shared her perspective during the conversation. She noted that they were able to fully concentrate on the acting because they did not have to worry about what was acceptable for her, for him, or for the director. Thorough attention to all details was provided.
For Mohit, this process was not limited to creating comfort for the actors on the day of shooting; it also involved establishing boundaries even before the camera started rolling. The actors openly discussed what they felt comfortable with and what they did not, and mutual consent became a key part of this process, rather than something decided later.
Mohit explained that this was his first time working with an intimacy coordinator. He finds it extremely beneficial for an actor to ask another person what they are comfortable with, where they can touch, and where they cannot. They conducted exercises where both voiced what made them uncomfortable. Permission was obtained for actions like 'Can I do this?', and control over who directed the scene was maintained.
Rasika added that at that time, it became part of the job. It depended not on personal relationships but on the fact that it was a full professional workshop where they conducted such exercises. She stressed that it was not simply 'doing something on set.'
Mohit particularly emphasized why the presence of intimacy coordinators should become standard in productions with intimate scenes. He concluded his remarks with a message to filmmakers: do not leave actors to figure everything out alone.
