Lenana Kariba speaks on shooting romantic scenes

Lenana Kariba is back in the spotlight, reprising his role as the enigmatic Nick in the Showmax series Single Kiasi.

Kariba's journey to fatherhood has undoubtedly enriched his life, and he embraces the challenges and joys that come with caring for his nine-month-old daughter, Ava. However, his acting career remains a priority, and his return to Single Kiasi after a season-long hiatus is a testament to his commitment to the show.

His return is not without intrigue. Nick's dramatic exit in season one left fans heartbroken, and Kariba promises a deeper exploration of the character in season three.

Building on-screen chemistry is a crucial element for any successful performance, and Kariba readily acknowledges the fantastic rapport he shares with his co-star, Faith Kibathi. Their pre-existing friendship undoubtedly contributes to the believable connection they portray on screen.

When it comes to the often-dreaded intimate scenes, Kariba offers a refreshing perspective. He emphasises the director's role in choreographing these scenes and highlights the vulnerability required from actors to make them believable.

Disregarding the romantic notion often associated with them, Kariba describes the technical aspects and the multiple personnel involved, reminding us that acting is, after all, a profession.

"Honestly, sex scenes are not even the hardest ones to do. It is all choreographed by the directors as they have a vision for exactly how they want it to come out. The actor's job is just to bring the emotions to make it look real. There is nothing sexy about having three cameras and multiple people watching you act out a sex scene," he says.

Kariba's wife, Hellen, serves as a pillar of support in his career. Their open communication and mutual respect allow them to navigate the complexities of his profession. She understands the demands of the job and trusts him fully.

"My wife and I always go through scripts together before I shoot anything. I have said it before: she is the most understanding person when it comes to my job. She supports my career 100 per cent in the same way I support hers and she is all about Nick and the things he does. We watch Single Kiasi together and now it's our weekly plan again as the new episodes drop," he adds.