Nollywood actor and reality TV star Saga Adeolu has opened up about the realities of filming romantic scenes, revealing that kissing on set is far from as enjoyable as many people assume.
Speaking during an episode of the Nolly Icons podcast, the actor explained that contrary to popular belief, most actors do not take pleasure in kissing scenes.
Instead, he said such moments are often carried out purely for the sake of storytelling and proper script interpretation.
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“It is not easy to kiss another actor. It is weird,” he said. “People think we enjoy it, but we don’t. We are just doing it for the story most times.”
Saga went further to share his personal experience, noting that despite featuring in several romantic roles, he has never had what he would consider a “good” onscreen kiss.
According to him, the process can feel uncomfortable and unnatural, especially given the professional environment and the presence of crew members during filming.
“I have not really had any good onscreen kiss. It is weird having people invade your mouth with saliva,” he added.
The actor also revealed the demanding nature of such scenes, recounting an instance where he had to kiss multiple actresses in a single day while filming.
“There was a day I kissed four different girls on set,” he said, highlighting how physically and emotionally taxing such requirements can be.
His comments shed light on a lesser-discussed aspect of filmmaking, the level of professionalism and detachment actors must maintain when performing intimate scenes.
While these moments may appear natural and effortless on screen, they often require multiple takes, technical coordination, and a high degree of discipline from the actors involved.
Saga emphasised that actors deserve recognition rather than criticism for taking on such roles.
He argued that audiences often judge performers based on what they see on screen without fully understanding the effort and discomfort that can go into creating those scenes.
According to him, the perception that actors enjoy kissing scenes can lead to unfair assumptions about their personal lives or professionalism.
In reality, he said, most actors approach such scenes as part of their job, focusing on delivering a believable performance rather than deriving any personal enjoyment.
His perspective aligns with broader conversations in the film industry about boundaries, consent, and the working conditions actors face during intimate scenes.
In many film industries around the world, there has been increasing emphasis on the use of intimacy coordinators, professionals who help choreograph and manage such scenes to ensure the comfort and safety of actors.
Although the practice is still developing in Nollywood, comments like Saga’s highlight the importance of having structured systems that support actors during demanding performances.
Saga Adeolu, who gained prominence through reality television before transitioning into acting, has continued to build his career in Nollywood with roles in various film and television projects.
Known for his expressive personality and openness, he often shares insights into both his personal life and professional experiences.
His recent remarks offer audiences a more nuanced understanding of what goes on behind the scenes, challenging assumptions and encouraging a more empathetic view of actors’ work.
Ultimately, his message is clear: what may look romantic and effortless on screen often involves discomfort, discipline, and professionalism, and actors should be appreciated for their commitment to bringing stories to life, even when it requires stepping outside their comfort zones.
