In the romantic drama Saiyaara, starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the intimate scenes have garnered much attention for their nuanced and authentic portrayal of young love. To achieve this level of intimacy on screen, both actors underwent a thorough preparation process that prioritized trust, comfort, and open communication.
According to Akshay Murarka, the intimacy coordinator for Saiyaara, building trust between Ahaan and Aneet was the first and foremost step. As both were newcomers, it was essential to create a safe and secure environment where they felt comfortable exploring the emotional and physical demands of their roles. Workshops were conducted during the first week of shooting, focusing on exercises around consent, boundaries, trust, and comfort. These sessions were designed to help the actors feel secure in their bodies and with each other. Every detail was discussed, agreed upon, and carefully staged, leaving nothing to assumption. Ahaan and Aneet's openness to the process made it seamless, establishing a foundation of safety that allowed the on-screen intimacy to feel natural and honest.
Ahaan Panday emphasized that there was no strategy or formula involved in building the connection seen in the film. He believes that on-screen chemistry cannot be forced or manufactured. Instead of obsessing over performances, the focus during pre-production was on building a real human connection. Aneet Padda recalls feeling exceptionally nervous during her first meeting with Ahaan and director Mohit Suri, but that anxiety quickly dissipated due to the warm and relaxed environment. She described Ahaan's presence as "disarming," which made her feel calm and supported from the beginning.
Months before filming commenced, Ahaan and Aneet spent time together, singing, playing the guitar, and talking extensively and honestly about their fears, insecurities, and expectations. These moments were indispensable in helping them understand each other beyond the script and find trust organically. By the time filming started, the groundwork had been laid, and there was no awkwardness or shying away on set. Emotionally charged scenes flowed naturally because both actors felt secure in being honest in their reactions towards each other.
Specific intimate scenes, such as the bathtub sequence in the song "Tum Ho Toh," were approached with careful planning and consideration. The intention was to capture young, playful love without it becoming overly steamy or vulgar. Strict closed-set protocols were followed, along with the use of modesty garments, body tape, and physical barriers, to ensure the actors' safety and comfort were never compromised. In contrast, the bedroom sequence in the song "Barbaad" called for passion, but even there, the approach was gentle and sensitive. Every moment was carefully discussed and choreographed to ensure the intimacy felt honest and intense, yet always respectful.
The use of an intimacy coordinator has significantly changed the way intimate moments are handled in the film industry. Earlier, many intimate scenes were handled instinctively, sometimes without enough conversation. Now, with intimacy coordinators, actors feel safer and perform more freely, leading to on-screen intimacy that feels more authentic, nuanced, and powerful for the audience.
The success of Saiyaara can be attributed, in part, to the natural and heartfelt on-screen romance between Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. Their preparation, which prioritized trust, communication, and a genuine human connection, allowed them to create a believable and moving portrayal of love. As Saiyaara continues to captivate audiences, the dedication and thoughtful preparation of its lead actors serve as a testament to the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for intimate scenes in film.
