Lovemaking scene created dilemma for Anupam, Kaushik

Mumbai, Jan 29 (IANS) Producer Anupam Kher and director Satish Kaushik were in a fix about their bold film on teen pregnancy 'Tere Sang'. Apparently, debutante Sheena Shahabadi was petrified of doing an intimate scene in her very first movie.

Her co-star Ruslaan Mumtaz, who made his debut in 2007 with 'Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar', admits she was coy.

'Yes, she did have problems with the love scene. And she refused to do the kiss. I don't blame her. Sheena is just a kid,' Ruslaan told IANS.

'I was very embarrassed to the scene with her. But as actors, we both had to be thoroughly professional. Sheena conducted herself as best as she could. And we somehow managed the scene,' he added.

Ruslaan says Kaushik did not intend to glorify teen sex. 'See, 'Tere Sang' isn't just about intimacy between two strangers. It's also about how two immature under-age people try to set up a home together. Satishji doesn't want to glorify promiscuousness and teen sex by making it look attractive on screen. So in a way, Sheena's inhibitions worked to our advantage,' Ruslaan said.

'The film has shaped up into a thought-provoking look at love, sex and commitment among youngsters. However, the crucial love scene, where the 17-year-old-boy played by Ruslaan Mumtaz makes love to the 15-year-old girl and impregnates her, is a very fleetingly shot,' said a source.

'Though she was briefed about it from the start, Sheena developed cold feet when it came to doing the love scene. Kaushik kept postponing it. Finally, when Sheena agreed to do it, she refused to convey serious intimacy. She even refused to kiss her co-star Ruslaan on the lips. Kaushik had to settle for a chin kiss,' the source added.

However, Kaushik, who is currently scouting for locations in Africa for Himesh Reshammiya's 'Karzzzz', admits the scene didn't turn out as effectively as he would have liked it to.

'But Ruslaan is right. We don't want to make 'Tere Sang' look like an invitation for teenagers to make love at an age when they should be making class projects. My film shows how parental neglect can trigger off sexual rebellion in kids. I didn't want to sensationalise the lovemaking,' Kaushik said.