Nigeria: Onscreen kisses aren’t enjoyable” — Nollywood actress Sandra Okunzuwa

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

Nollywood actress Sandra Okunzuwa says filming kissing scenes is nothing like it looks on screen.

Speaking on the _BTS Reality_ podcast, she explained that the set environment makes romantic scenes feel technical rather than emotional.  

“When actors kiss while filming, about 20 people are watching them, and instructions are being dished out. Even the AC will be turned off, and the director will monitor and instruct them throughout. So how can anyone be in the mood or turned on in such conditions?” she said.

Okunzuwa said she wouldn’t mind if kissing scenes were removed from movies entirely, arguing that viewers would still enjoy the films. She also noted that such scenes can strain actors’ personal relationships.

“I once lost a relationship because someone sent my ex-boyfriend a scene from a movie where I kissed an actor,” she shared. “At the time, I felt his reaction came from insecurity. But honestly, it is not easy.”

She added that she understands why some people choose not to date actors, saying everyone has to decide what they can tolerate in a partner