Nollywood actor Adeoluwa Okusaga is pushing back against the popular idea that actors enjoy on-screen kissing, saying the experience is often uncomfortable.
The former Big Brother Naija star appeared to dismiss the assumption, explaining that fans are mistaken in believing actors enjoy kissing scenes.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Nolly Icons podcast, Saga said most actors participate in intimate scenes strictly for professional reasons rather than personal pleasure.
“It is not easy to kiss another actor. It is weird,” he said. “I have not really had any good onscreen kiss. It is weird having people invade your mouth with saliva.”
He added that, contrary to public perception, actors do not look forward to such scenes. “It is not something we enjoy. People think we enjoy it, but we don’t. We are just doing it for the story most of the time. If I had my way, I wouldn’t kiss anyone in a film,” he said.
Saga also described the demands of filming, noting that multiple takes can make the experience more difficult. “There was a day I kissed four different girls on set,” he said.
Actors should be recognized for their professionalism rather than criticized, he added.
His remarks follow a long history of controversies over intimacy in Nollywood films. In recent months, several actors have drawn attention to their romantic roles.
Notably, Actor Daniel Etim Effiong was criticized by some viewers after kissing scenes with co-star Bolaji Ogunmola in their film Summer Rain. The clip drew reactions questioning why a married actor would take the role.
In response, Etim Effiong explained that kissing in films is part of storytelling and audience demand. He said producers include such scenes “because that’s what they’re selling” in modern Nollywood films.
Bolaji Ogunmola also rejected assumptions linking her to co-stars, describing such interpretations as false. She dismissed rumors of a romantic involvement with Daniel Etim Effiong, saying the scenes are strictly professional.
Another notable controversy was between Actor Uzor Arukwe and actress Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan. The duo attracted attention after starring in the film Love in Every Word.
Following the film, some social media users linked their on-screen chemistry to BamBam’s personal life and marriage, although there was no evidence to support the claims.
Arukwe has since stated in interviews that he maintains professional boundaries during romantic scenes, including seeking consent from co-actors before filming such moments.
Typically, intimate scenes are rehearsed, directed, and sometimes repeated to achieve specific camera angles and narrative effects. In some cases, an intimacy coordinator is present.
Saga has maintained that audience understanding would reduce criticism directed at actors. “We are just doing our job,” he said.
