Jannat Zubair to Gauahar Khan: TV actors who refused to do intimate scenes on small screen

When it comes to their projects, a few actors have consistently been open about their preferences and choices. Despite the fact that many artists are experimenting with different genres and channels, some have been extremely particular about not performing up-close or bold scenes on TV or in any other medium. A long list of actors have refused to perform intimate scenes on the small screen or in web shows. Here's a quick look:

Jannat Zubair, who was recently seen in the show Khatron Ke Khiladi 12, has stated repeatedly that she will never perform intimate scenes on television as she is not comfortable with it. The actor told ETimes TV, “I will not lock lips on-screen even if I am paired opposite a superstar. That’s out of the question. I am not dependent on this profession for my bread and butter, so I can’t be forced to do anything. There won’t be any kissing scenes and the team can’t use my body double either, to perform something I am not comfortable with.”

Anushka Sen, who was recently in the news for travelling to South Korea for her film debut, had earlier stated that she would not perform intimate moments on television. When quizzed if she agrees with Jannat Zubair about not doing love scenes on TV, Anushka said, “I am very careful before choosing roles and my parents are always there. So, I don't think I would land up in such a situation. We always discuss scripts with each other and together make a decision. And in case I do, I will not do a kissing scene. I think Jannat took the right decision and even I would do the same. I would not do a role that is older than me because I don't look like someone above 17-18 years. Also, I won't take up a typical romantic role as I want to do challenging roles. I would do it when the time is right. I will always take up roles that are close to my age. I would do romantic roles at the right time when I feel it's the right age.”

Erica Fernandes always has been vocal about her tastes and dislikes. Erica, who made her debut in Kuch Rang Pyaar Ke Aise Bhi, previously told ETimes TV that she does not do intimate scenes for television or web shows. Erica said, “I am not comfortable doing bold shows and content and I am quite open about it. I have been offered quite a few shows until now. There have been shows that came my way and had bold content and I have said no to them because sometimes I feel they are forcefully added to the show to sell.”

It's not just actresses, some TV actors including Shakti's Vivian Dsena, have refused to do intimate scenes on-screen. Vivian, who had previously stated that he does not like doing intimate scenes, stated that he does not ‘feel at ease’ kissing his co-stars on TV. He claims that he does not consider it necessary for him to perform a kissing scene on television.

Hiba Nawab previously told ETimes TV about working on a web series. She said, “I would want to be a part of it. But honestly, what’s stopping me is the bold content. I am not comfortable exposing myself or doing bold scenes. I do get calls and the moment I ask if there are any kissing or intimate scenes, they say yes. My family is not in favour of it. As an individual, I am also not comfortable.”

Mahira Sharma, one of the most well-known Bigg Boss 13 contestants, told ETimes TV in an interview that she isn't at ease performing intimate scenes on television. When we questioned the actress if she would be willing to do a bold scene on-screen in the future, she said, “I'm against doing bold scenes because I think if I am doing some work I should be able to watch it comfortably with my family. Also, I myself am not comfortable doing bold scenes therefore I prefer taking up projects that do not require bold scenes from my character.”

The winner of Bigg Boss 7 Gauahar Khan is yet another actress, who has refused to appear in any intimate scenes on television or in web series. The actress, who recently completed a web series, previously stated that she will never give a nod to do any romantic scenes on screen. She stated that she has declined to take part in many shows due to these demands.

Pavitra Punia, a Bigg Boss 14 contestant, previously stated that she had refused to work on a show since she was asked to perform an intimate scene. She also admitted that her fear of performing an intimate scene on screen prevents her from doing so.

Tanya Sharma, the Sasural Simar Ka 2 actress, talked to ETimes TV about not doing love scenes in any TV shows or web series. Tanya added “I am losing out on a lot of projects because of the intimate and bold scenes required. I understand that when the makers write a story they have a mindset and a concept. But I have a boundary for myself, and maybe, I am not ready to cross that boundary yet. I am not comfortable doing any intimate scenes right now. So I do not take up that kind of role.”

Another male actor, who has denied appearing in intimate moments on television, is Harsh Rajput. The Pishachini actor told ETimes TV, “I don’t have any issues in going all out, but it depends on the medium and whether it is required. If the script demands, I can lock lips on a show, but I am not game for anything beyond that. I am open to stretching the boundaries for other mediums, but it should be justified and shot aesthetically.”

Even Kasam actress Kratika Sengar spoke about not being comfortable with doing intimate scenes on-screen. Kratika, who starred opposite Ssharad Malhotra, had refused to do any intimate scenes with any of her co-stars and had also informed the production team beforehand. Even Ekta Kapoor did not mind the hesitation of the actress and instead arranged for a body double and had no problem with the team's chosen alternative.

Pankhuri Awasthy is currently seen as Vedika in the daily soap Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. While many big names in television are growing their horizons by indulging in web series, actress Pankhuri Awasthy has yet to do so. Pankhuri told BT, “I get a lot of offers for web shows, but I am not comfortable doing bold scenes. Every time I get a call for a web show, they start by saying, ‘bold scenes hai.’ Also, I feel that a scene like that should make sense and not just be an addition to grab eyeballs.”

Sweta Bhattacharya, who played the protagonist in 'Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki,' recently put the show's producers in a pickle. Sweta denied getting near her co-star Vishal Vashishtha on-screen during a suhaagraat scene. A source told BT, “Sweta has a clause in her contract that she won’t do intimate scenes, and won’t wear sleeveless and short clothes. Because of this, the suhagraat sequence had to be toned down considerably.”

While her husband Jay Bhanushali was also featured in his debut film Hate Story 2, Mahhi Vij is hesitant to get close to her co-stars. She got the scene scrapped after getting cold feet over a romantic scene in Balika Vadhu in which co-actor Ruslaan Mumtaz had to brush lips against hers.

Iqbal Khan believes that most TV viewers are families, so he has pledged never to kiss on the TV screen. The actor did perform an intimate scene in a movie but chose to stand up to his choice on television. According to reports, he was unhappy with the intimate scene in the film and thus decided never to kiss. He has no qualms, on the other hand, about doing romantic scenes that define a boundary and don't go way over the top.

Mitaali Nag, who was seen in the show Roop, revealed that she isn't comfortable doing anything bold and intimate on screen. Mitaali told BT, “I am not comfortable with intimacy or kissing on screen, I won’t sport a bikini either. I might wear one when I shoot alongside my son, though (laughs). Sensuality and sexuality are not defined by the clothes you wear. It’s about your personality and the way you carry yourself. I feel that I look the sexiest in a sari. While I am not comfortable flaunting my body on screen, I have immense respect for those who do it. Baring your body requires guts and a lot of hard work.”