Beyond the Glamour: Saga Adeolu Reveals the "Unpleasant" Reality of Onscreen Kissing in Nollywood

 

The world of cinema often paints a picture of romance and effortless chemistry, leading many fans to believe that actors enjoy the intimate moments shared on screen. However, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Nollywood actor and former Big Brother Naija star Adeoluwa Okusaga, popularly known as Saga Adeolu, shattered those illusions. During a candid appearance on the latest episode of the Nolly Icons podcast, Saga revealed that he has never had a "good" onscreen kiss, describing the experience as uncomfortable and strictly professional.

​Saga’s revelations have sparked a massive conversation within the Nigerian entertainment industry regarding the boundaries of performance and the psychological toll of romantic roles. For an actor who has become a staple in romantic dramas, his admission that he would avoid kissing scenes entirely if given the choice has taken many by surprise.

​"It’s Not Easy": Saga Adeolu on the Discomfort of Intimacy

​Speaking during the podcast, Saga was unapologetically honest about the physical and emotional awkwardness of filming intimate scenes. Contrary to the public’s perception that these moments are pleasurable, Saga described them as "weird" and professionally demanding.

​"It is not easy to kiss another actor. It is weird," Saga stated during the interview. He went further to elaborate on the sensory discomfort that comes with the territory, adding, "I have not really had any good onscreen kiss. It is weird having people invade your mouth with saliva."

​These comments highlight the often-overlooked reality of acting: that what looks like a passionate moment on a high-definition screen is actually a choreographed sequence performed in front of a full camera crew, lighting technicians, and directors, making any genuine "enjoyment" nearly impossible.

​Debunking the Myth: Why Actors "Don't Enjoy" the Process

​One of the most striking parts of Saga’s interview was his attempt to bridge the gap between audience assumptions and the actor’s reality. He emphasized that for most professionals in Nollywood, kissing is simply a mechanical part of the job required for "better script interpretation."

• ​The Story Over Sensation: Saga noted that actors engage in these scenes primarily to bring a story to life, not for personal gratification.
• ​A Lack of Privacy: Filming these scenes involves multiple takes, specific camera angles, and a lack of personal space, which strips the act of any romantic sentiment.
• ​The "Work" Mindset: Saga explained that during these moments, an actor's brain is focused on lines, positioning, and timing rather than the physical act itself.

​"It is not something we enjoy. People think we enjoy it, but we don't. We are just doing it for the story most times," he explained, urging the public to view these scenes through the lens of professional labor rather than leisure.

​A Day at the Office: Kissing Four Different Actresses

​To illustrate the grueling nature of romantic roles, Saga shared a startling anecdote from a recent production. He revealed that there was a day on set when he was required to kiss four different actresses for various scenes.

​"If I had my way, I won't kiss anyone in a film. There was a day I kissed four different girls on set," Saga revealed. This level of repetition further underscores his point that onscreen intimacy is a repetitive and often exhausting task rather than a glamorous perk of the job. For Saga, the sheer volume of such requirements reinforces his desire to move away from these types of scenes in the future.

​Commendation Over Judgment: A Plea to the Audience

​Beyond sharing his personal discomfort, Saga Adeolu used the platform to advocate for his colleagues in the industry. He lamented the fact that actors are often judged or misunderstood by the public for the romantic roles they play.

​He argued that instead of being scrutinized for their personal lives or the nature of their roles, actors should be commended for their professionalism. It takes a high level of mental discipline to perform an act as intimate as a kiss with a stranger or a colleague you may have no feelings for repeatedly until the director is satisfied.

​"Actors should be commended for kissing in movies instead of being judged," he added, calling for a shift in how the Nigerian audience perceives the craft of acting.

​The Evolution of Saga Adeolu’s Career in 2026

​Since his rise to fame on Big Brother Naija, Saga has successfully transitioned into a full-time actor, artist, and fitness enthusiast. His involvement in high-profile Nollywood projects has made him a household name, but his recent comments suggest he is looking to redefine his "brand" in 2026.

​By speaking out against the frequency of kissing scenes, Saga may be signaling a move toward more diverse roles—perhaps in action, thriller, or character-driven dramas—where the focus is less on romantic chemistry and more on complex storytelling. His honesty serves as a reminder that even in the world of celebrity, professional boundaries and personal comfort are paramount.

​Conclusion: Redefining the Romantic Lead

​Saga Adeolu’s interview on the Nolly Icons podcast has pulled back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood aspects of the film industry. By admitting that he has never had a "good" onscreen kiss and describing the act as "weird," he has provided a refreshing dose of reality to fans who often conflate fiction with real life.

​As Nollywood continues to evolve and tell more sophisticated stories, the conversation sparked by Saga will likely encourage other actors to speak up about their own boundaries on set. For now, the message is clear: behind the beautiful scenes and romantic soundtracks is a group of professionals working hard to interpret a script and according to Saga, it’s a job that isn’t nearly as fun as it looks.