Sarah Shahi has recently shared insights about a remarkable scene she filmed with James Gandolfini for “The Sopranos.” Speaking on the “Bossticks” podcast, Shahi revealed that her kiss with Gandolfini ranks among the best she’s experienced. She humorously recalled her initial thoughts, questioning her ability to be attracted to Gandolfini, given his appearance as a “47-year-old large, balding man.” However, Shahi admitted that the experience surpassed her expectations and worked surprisingly well for her.

Shahi, who had a brief role on “The Sopranos,” provided more details about the scene where they used mushrooms as props. She explained that Gandolfini, known for his method acting, wanted to create a genuine reaction and requested the use of dehydrated mushrooms spiced with pepper to enhance the scene. During the filming, the actors took the mushrooms, and Shahi sat on Gandolfini’s lap, leading to their memorable kiss.

The actress remembered that they had to film this particular scene three or four times. Each time when production shouted “cut,” the duo was still engaged in the moment. Shahi portrayed the character Sonya Aragon in the popular HBO series, a stripper and young college student who was the mistress of the character Christopher Moltisanti, played by Michael Imperioli. Her appearance came during the sixth season in 2007.

This scene remains one of Shahi’s fond memories of working with Gandolfini, who passed away unexpectedly on June 19, 2013, at the age of 51, while on vacation in Rome, Italy. An autopsy confirmed his death was due to a heart attack.