In a candid interview, Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan opened up about her approach to intimate scenes and why she has been selective in portraying them on screen. The former Miss World, known for her elegance and grace, shared her perspective on the evolving landscape of intimacy in Indian cinema.
Aishwarya Rai’s Stance on Intimate Scenes
Aishwarya Rai has been vocal about her stance on intimate scenes, stating that she avoids them as much as possible. In a 2016 interview with Filmfare, she emphasized her belief in being a “liberated actor” without necessarily shedding clothes or inhibitions.
“I’m a liberated actor, but it doesn’t mean shedding clothes or shedding inhibitions. It’s choosing to do Iruvar as your first film not because I was not getting a big launch pad. But because I wanted to work with Mani Ratnam. I’m progressive. That’s the statement I made,” she said.
The Impact of a Kiss
Aishwarya Rai acknowledged that a kiss on screen would generate significant discussion, particularly in the context of her career. She recalled her experience with the kissing scene in the 2006 film Dhoom 2, co-starring Hrithik Roshan.
“We came to Dhoom 10 years into my career, by which point a kiss had become a familiar sight. So, with the changing times, you consider what could be shocking or not with a sense of responsibility. A social and visual comfort comes with the changing times. You gauge that keeping your comfort space in mind. When I did the kiss in Dhoom, we decided to treat it in a scene. There’s a dialogue in the kiss. It’s not like there’s a crescendo music and just a kiss. Hrithik and I don’t run into each other’s arms,” she explained.
Projecting Intimacy Without Contact
Aishwarya Rai revealed that she was comfortable with projecting intimacy without physical contact, as seen in her films like Bride and Prejudice and Shabd. In the latter, directed by Leena Yadav, she joked that the intimate scenes could serve as her “show reel to the West.”
“I was okay with projecting intimacy without contact. Because I knew how much a kiss with me would be discussed,” she said.
Collaborating with Ranbir Kapoor in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
Aishwarya’s most recent intimate scenes were with actor Ranbir Kapoor in the 2016 film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. In an interview, Ranbir shared his experience of portraying romantic scenes with Aishwarya, admitting to feeling shy and having trembling hands during intimate moments.
“There were times when he hesitated to touch her cheeks. However, Aishwarya’s encouragement helped him overcome his inhibitions. She reassured him, emphasizing that they were merely acting and urged him to perform with confidence,” the interview revealed.
Aishwarya’s Commitment to Her Craft
Throughout her career, Aishwarya has been known for her commitment to her craft and her ability to portray complex characters. She has often chosen roles that challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
In the Filmfare interview, Aishwarya emphasized her approach to acting, stating, “I don’t flippantly say yes to a film. I process it, discuss it with my director. On the set I’m a vocal and intelligent actor. I was never treated as a newcomer.”
The Evolution of Intimacy in Indian Cinema
Aishwarya’s perspective on intimate scenes reflects the changing attitudes towards intimacy in Indian cinema. As societal norms evolve and audiences become more accepting of on-screen intimacy, actresses like Aishwarya are navigating this new landscape while staying true to their personal boundaries.
“A social and visual comfort comes with the changing times. You gauge that keeping your comfort space in mind,” Aishwarya said.
Conclusion
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s candid discussion of her approach to intimate scenes highlights the complexities and challenges faced by actresses in the Indian film industry. Her commitment to her craft and her ability to portray complex characters have made her a role model for aspiring actresses. As Indian cinema continues to evolve, Aishwarya’s perspective serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing artistic expression with personal boundaries.
