Actress Elnaaz Norouzi, known for her role in the hit series 'Sacred Games', has shared her nuanced and principled perspective on performing bold and intimate scenes in films and web shows. In recent interviews, she emphasized that for her, such scenes are never about mere shock value but must always serve a deeper narrative purpose.
Purpose Over Provocation: Elnaaz's Philosophy
Speaking to News 18, Elnaaz Norouzi explained that her consent for any intimate moment on screen is never a simple yes or no. She critically evaluates whether a scene is essential to the story. "Even something like a kissing or intimate scene has to serve a purpose," she stated. She asks key questions: Is it adding to the story at that moment? Is it necessary? Does it change something in the narrative?
For the actress, the intention behind the scene and the quality of the writing are paramount. "I think it really depends on the situation and, more importantly, on how it’s written," she noted. If a scene is included just for the sake of it, she feels compelled to question its presence and can choose to decline it. She also highlighted the importance of open communication on set, stating that a collaborative environment with a good director and strong script allows actors to understand and perform their roles better.
The 'Sacred Games' Scene That Tested Her Resolve
Elnaaz revealed a personal challenge she faced while working on 'Sacred Games' Season 2. There was an intimate scene written with co-star Nawazuddin Siddiqui that almost led her to turn down the project. "I was almost about to say no to the show because I didn’t want to do that scene," she confessed.
What changed her mind was director Anurag Kashyap's empathetic and professional approach. "He was so amazing. He invited me and my entire team home. We sat over lunch. We spoke about the scene," she recounted. Kashyap detailed how he planned to shoot the scene to ensure her comfort, which helped build her trust. She agreed because the scene was crucial for the series, and the director guaranteed a respectful and safe filming process.
Embracing 'Mastiii 4' with Caution and Clarity
In a separate interview with IANS, Elnaaz discussed her initial hesitation about joining the sex comedy franchise 'Mastiii 4'. She was nearly ready to refuse the offer but changed her mind after director Milap Zaveri narrated the script. She was impressed by how well it was written for a contemporary audience in 2025.
She appreciated that the women had stronger, more substantial roles, making the script feel equal. Elnaaz was careful about the portrayal of women, noting, "The women in the film are portrayed as careless, but not in any other way. In fact, they are depicted as quite smart." She also worked closely with the team to ensure the costumes were graceful and not vulgar.
Elnaaz concluded by expressing her desire to shift perceptions about the genre. "Such films don’t only have to be about men, it can be about women as well. That’s exactly what Mastiii 4 shows," she said, highlighting the project's meaningful message and evolved approach compared to its predecessors.
