Girija Oak Breaks the Myth of On-Screen Romance: “It’s Mechanical… Like Kissing Cardboard.”
Girija Oak, the Marathi actor recently dubbed by many as a fresh “national crush,” has offered a blunt, candid account of how romantic scenes are actually filmed — and the picture is far from cinematic. In interviews and conversations, Oak explained that what audiences perceive as spontaneous chemistry is usually a tightly controlled, highly technical process.
“How do you romance a stranger?”
At public events, Oak said, women often ask her how actors create believable romance with someone they barely know. Using examples from projects such as Inspector Zende and her upcoming web series Therapy Sherapy, she described the mechanics behind the illusion.
The set is not romantic — it’s sweaty, loud and crowded
Oak gave viewers a backstage tour of the realities: sets packed with 100–150 people, lights to adjust, sound technicians switching off ACs to avoid noise, and crew members blow-drying an actor’s sweat. Microphone transmitters heat up; thermocol sheets and reflectors are positioned to fix lighting; hair stylists and continuity personnel fuss over tiny details. “In that situation, when so many people are looking at you critically… how will you romance?” she asked, with a smile.
“Kissing on screen feels like kissing cardboard”
When asked to describe on-screen kisses, Oak was blunt: “It feels like kissing cardboard. There can be no feeling. Everything is mechanical.” She revealed that many close-ups are shot without the co-actor present — actors often look at a camera mark, the corner of a light stand, or even a block of thermocol while delivering lines that are meant to read as intimate.
Creating chemistry without the other person
Oak explained that the craft of acting often requires directing emotion at an object or a camera lens. “You’re looking at a piece of thermocol, a black cloth or the corner of a cutter stand,” she said, adding that she has had convincing, loving moments while looking at inanimate set objects. This technical choreography — hitting marks, matching eyelines, syncing with the camera — is what produces on-screen intimacy, not a spontaneous spark.
Safety, consent and the rise of intimacy coordinators
Oak praised the role of intimacy coordinators and emphasized the importance of safety and consent on set. Speaking about Therapy Sherapy, she singled out co-star Gulshan Devaiah for his professionalism — checking in repeatedly, offering comfort items like pillows, and ensuring she knew she could pause scenes whenever needed. These practices, she said, make sensitive sequences manageable and respectful.
From Marathi cinema to national buzz
Girija Oak began her acting career in Marathi films like Goshta Choti Dongraevadhi and later appeared in notable Hindi projects including Taare Zameen Par, Shor in the City, and the Shah Rukh Khan starrer Jawan. Her breakout attention followed the short film Quarter (2020), and now Oak is open about both the perks and pitfalls of fame — including unwanted AI-morphed images circulating online.
Why Oak’s honesty matters
By dismantling the glamour around romantic scenes, Oak is demystifying acting for audiences. Her frankness underscores that on-screen romance is often a performance perfected through technique rather than a private emotional exchange. She also highlights the importance of respectful working conditions and the growing presence of professionals who protect actors’ consent and comfort.
Takeaway
Girija Oak’s candid revelations remind viewers that the shimmer of cinematic romance is usually a well-rehearsed illusion. What really counts on set are professionalism, safety, and mutual respect — and, as Oak puts it, the practical tools (and people) that let actors deliver that illusion convincingly.
Quick facts
- Actress: Girija Oak
- Notable work: Quarter, Taare Zameen Par, Shor in the City, Jawan
- Upcoming: Web series Therapy Sherapy (co-starring Gulshan Devaiah)
- Viral quote: “Kissing on screen feels like kissing cardboard”
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