Actress Shahana Goswami, known for her powerful and versatile performances, is back with a new series, ‘Four Years Later,’ premiering July 11 on Lionsgate Play. In a candid interview, she delves into the emotional depth of her latest project, the importance of intimacy coordinators, and shares insights from her time working with Shah Rukh Khan.
Stepping into ‘Four Years Later’
Shahana Goswami stars alongside Akshay Ajit in ‘Four Years Later,’ a raw, relationship-driven drama. The series, which has already garnered significant attention online, explores the complexities of a love story coded in heartbreak.
The duo opened up about the challenges of working on such an emotionally sensitive narrative. They even expressed a light-hearted wish to one day co-star in a Karan Johar-style romantic comedy.
That Pivotal Zoo Scene
A key moment in the series, the zoo scene, sparked extensive discussions among the cast and crew. Shahana explained that her character’s decision to walk away wasn’t about deliberate unkindness, but a sudden realization of deep-seated fears and misalignments.
Akshay added that his character’s remarks, though stemming from love, inadvertently came off as judgmental. Both actors noted how the scene resonated widely, proving their intent was clearly translated.
Crafting On-Screen Chemistry
Building the intense chemistry seen between the characters wasn’t instant for Shahana and Akshay. Shahana recalled an initial awkwardness, particularly during early auditions, which made her question how they would pull off intimate scenes.
However, the presence of an intimacy coordinator from Australia proved invaluable. This support system ensured the intimate moments were portrayed empathetically and sensitively, rather than being sensationalized.
The Unsung Role of Intimacy Coordinators
Both actors highlighted the crucial need for intimacy coordinators in the industry. Shahana pointed out that while awareness is growing, many production houses still don’t hire them, despite their role in helping actors safely navigate physical intimacy on screen.
Shah Rukh Khan: A Class Apart
A small, improvised nod to Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Four Years Later’ led to Shahana sharing her experience of working with the superstar in ‘Ra.One’. She described him as charming, intuitive, and incredibly creative.
Shahana was particularly struck by his professionalism and respect for everyone on set, even a child actor. She noted how he makes people “feel seen” without pretension, always fully present in the moment, even rehearsing quietly alone.
Conquering Self-Doubt for ‘Santosh’
Before filming her acclaimed movie ‘Santosh,’ Shahana admitted to a significant breakdown. She doubted her acting process, comparing herself to more methodical actors. However, a timely reminder from someone helped her realize that her unique rhythm, honed over two decades, was valid and effective.
As for ‘Santosh,’ the film currently remains in limbo due to certification issues, which prevents its release on streaming platforms. Shahana hopes for a resolution soon.
The Evolving Landscape of Streaming
Having worked extensively in OTT, Shahana believes streaming content has reached a saturation point. She feels that creative decisions are increasingly driven by numbers, algorithms, and corporate interests, rather than genuine storytelling.
This, she suggests, stifles new voices and leads to a formulaic approach, unlike the balance still seen in Hollywood productions such as ‘Succession’.
Favorite Relationship Dramas and Future Dreams
When asked about their favorite relationship dramas, Shahana listed ‘Scenes from a Marriage,’ ‘Breaking the Waves,’ and ‘Love Actually.’ Akshay added ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and, of course, ‘DDLJ’. Both actors expressed a strong desire to work on a Karan Johar romantic film in the future.
- ‘Four Years Later’ premieres July 11 on Lionsgate Play.
- Intimacy coordinators were vital for sensitive scenes, ensuring empathetic portrayal.
- Shahana Goswami praises Shah Rukh Khan’s professionalism and respect on set.
- Streaming content faces saturation, with creative decisions often driven by algorithms.
This deep dive into Shahana Goswami’s insights offers a glimpse into the making of ‘Four Years Later’ and the broader challenges and triumphs of the entertainment industry.
