OUR ROLE IS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF ACTORS
THE WEEK|September 26, 2021
INTERVIEW AASTHA KHANNA, India’s first certified intimacy coordinator
PRATHIMA NANDAKUMAR
OUR ROLE IS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF ACTORS

The #MeToo campaign led to an increased demand for intimacy coordinators on film sets to help actors navigate through the shooting of intimate scenes without feeling violated. Aastha Khanna, 26, who became the first certified intimacy coordinator in India last October, has put together an intimacy collective to train more professionals in the field.

In a conversation with THE WEEK, Khanna shared nuances of her profession that demand expertise in filmmaking, psychology and law. Edited excerpts:

Q What does an intimacy coordinator (IC) do?

A ICs ensure that the content is produced ethically by obtaining informed consent from actors for intimate scenes or [scenes involving] simulated sex, sexual assault, violence or nudity. We make sure the actors remain safe physically and mentally during the shooting of these scenes.

Q Tell us about the training you received.

This story is from the September 26, 2021 edition of THE WEEK.

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This story is from the September 26, 2021 edition of THE WEEK.

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