Imagine baring your vulnerability on camera while dozens of crew members watch. For years, Bollywood actors navigated intimate scenes without safeguards—until now. In a groundbreaking revelation, an intimacy coordinator spotlighted Vijay Varma as a “green flag” for his exceptional conduct during such sequences. This isn’t just gossip; it’s a seismic shift in how India’s film industry approaches consent and safety. At Baxoa.com, we explore why Varma’s approach is rewriting Bollywood’s rulebook and what it means for the future of on-set ethics.
The Rise of Intimacy Coordinators in Bollywood
The role of intimacy coordinators—professionals who choreograph and ethically manage simulated sex scenes—gained global prominence post-#MeToo. Bollywood, however, lagged behind. Early adopters like A Suitable Boy (2020) introduced the concept, but systemic adoption remained slow. According to Dar Gai, a pioneering intimacy coordinator in India, the role involves:
- Pre-scene boundary discussions with actors
- Closed sets with minimal crew
- Psychological safety protocols
- Movement choreography to avoid exploitation
“Without intimacy coordinators, actors relied on directors’ whims or improvised—a recipe for discomfort,” says Neha Vyas, an intimacy specialist who trained with SAG-AFTRA.
Why Vijay Varma is Bollywood’s “Green Flag” Standard-Bearer
In a recent Times of India interview, an intimacy coordinator (name undisclosed) hailed Varma as a model collaborator during scenes requiring vulnerability. Key reasons cited:
The Art of “Giving”
- Prioritizing Co-Star Comfort: Varma actively checks in with partners, asking, “Are you okay?” or “Should we adjust?”
- Consent as Routine: He advocates for repeated verbal approvals before and during takes.
- Non-Judgmental Space: Co-stars report feeling “heard, not objectified” around him.
Professionalism Meets Emotional Intelligence
Vijay Varma’s approach isn’t accidental. His films like Darlings (2022) and Mirzapur involved high-risk scenes where trust was paramount. As coordinator Neha Vyas notes:
“Green flag actors like Vijay understand: intimacy isn’t about them—it’s about mutual respect. He’s the antithesis of the predatory ‘red flag’ actor.”
The Ripple Effect: How Vijay Varma’s Conduct Changes Bollywood
Vijay Varma’s recognition coincides with Bollywood’s ethical awakening:
Data-Driven Progress
- 68% of actors in a 2023 Film Companion survey felt intimate scenes were “rushed or unsafe” pre-coordinators.
- Productions like Made in Heaven S2 (2023) now mandate intimacy experts—a policy Varma publicly supports.
The Business Case for Safety
Studios realize ethical sets attract talent. After Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), Alia Bhatt emphasized how coordinators helped her navigate complex scenes “without trauma.” Safer sets also reduce scheduling delays caused by actor distress.
Your Burning Questions Answered (FAQ)
Q1: What exactly does an intimacy coordinator do?
A: They bridge creative vision and actor safety—choreographing movements, establishing “no-touch” zones, and ensuring legal agreements (like nudity riders) are honored. Think of them as stunt coordinators for emotional risk.
Q2: Why call Vijay Varma a “green flag”?
A: In relationship terms, “green flags” signal healthy behavior. Varma earns this by centering co-star consent, rejecting ego, and normalizing vulnerability—a blueprint for allyship.
Q3: Are intimacy coordinators common in India now?
A: Growing rapidly! While only ~15 worked in India pre-2020, over 50 are active today. Major studios (Dharma, Excel) now include them in budgets.
Q4: Can actors refuse intimate scenes?
A: Absolutely. Coordinators help renegotiate scripts or suggest alternatives (e.g., implied intimacy). Varma’s ethos empowers co-stars to speak up without fear.
Q5: How does this impact film quality?
A: Safe spaces foster authentic performances. Scenes in Lust Stories 2 (2023) gained critical praise for emotional realism—directly linked to coordinator involvement.
The Road Ahead: Bollywood’s Unfinished Revolution
Despite progress, challenges persist:
- Independent films often lack coordinator budgets.
- Stigma around discussing intimacy slows policy changes.
- Male actors rarely receive Varma-level scrutiny for on-set conduct.
Varma’s “green flag” moment is a catalyst—not an endpoint. As filmmaker Alankrita Shrivastava (Lipstick Under My Burkha) asserts:
“One actor’s decency shouldn’t be news. It must become baseline professionalism.”
Conclusion: Your Role in the Change
Vijay Varma’s praise isn’t about hero-worship; it’s a mirror held up to Bollywood. His conduct proves that artistry thrives when dignity is non-negotiable. As audiences, we fuel this shift:
- Demand transparency by supporting films that ethical sets.
- Amplify conversations about consent in entertainment.
- Celebrate “green flags”—they normalize humanity in a cutthroat industry.
Ready to act? Share this article to spotlight Bollywood’s evolution. For more deep dives into film ethics and insider updates, follow Baxoa.com or subscribe to our newsletter. Change begins when we refuse to look away.
- Times of India source article
- SAG-AFTRA intimacy guidelines
- Film Companion survey data
- Made in Heaven director interview
