Is it, No kissing for TV actors!

The furore over Sach Ka Saamna had just settled when another controversy erupted in tellyland.

A Balaji audition held asked aspirants to dress minimally and kiss! There may have been outrage, but no official complaint has been filed, says Dharmesh Tiwari, President, Cine and Television Artists’ Association (CINTAA). Hence there will be no action. Censor Board member Nandini Sardesai, who feels strongly about the issue, says, “I find it in poor taste. Kissing passionately can hardly be the yardstick for judging acting skills. It is very demeaning to both males and females. It is very derogatory to the human spirit.” But what do actors from tellyland have to say? Well, while some preferred not to comment, a few others adopted the diplomatic route and of course a handful spoke their mind…

Sara Khan: This is not done! What about Indian culture? There will be no difference between India and other countries. People should reveal their talent and not their bodies.

Rajeev Khandelwal: I don’t want to comment on this.

Aashka Goradia: I was very surprised. I don’t know how relevant the kissing, wearing minimal clothing is to the show. What was the audition about… were they looking for a good kisser or a good actor?

Aroona Irani: I didn’t like the idea of such an audition. You generally watch TV with your family, so a show like that would get very embarrassing. Call me orthodox, but I at least will not be comfortable.

Harsh ChAaya: At first glance, it does seem perverse. But personally, it is your choice. If you don’t like it, then you don’t have to do it.

Neena Gupta: Without knowing the complete truth, I would not like to comment on it.

Manasi joshi Roy : It is simple, if you are comfortable doing it, do it. If not, then don’t do it.

Aman Verma: In our country, showing sex on television is taboo, but you can show violence and hatred. Maybe the producers wanted to see how far you would go.

Ronit Roy: I don’t want to comment on this.

Achint Kaur : The most important thing is what the subject is all about. Also, if the actor is new, then maybe the producers wanted to see how comfortable the actor is doing certain things.