Javed Akhtar denounces viral AI deepfake video claiming he ‘turned to God’, considers legal action against creators and sharers online.
Veteran playwright and lyricist Javed Akhtar has vehemently denounced a phony AI-generated film that is making the ruse that he has “turned to God” and is becoming viral on social media. The deceptive video, which shows a computer-generated picture of Akhtar with a skull hat, infuriated the author, who is now thinking of taking legal action against the people who made and disseminated the deepfake.
Actor and politician Kangana Ranaut recently voiced worries over AI-edited photos of herself circulating online, underscoring a rising issue of digital manipulation affecting public people.
Javed Akhtar Responds Forcefully to an AI-Generated Video
Javed Akhtar officially addressed the problem on X, formerly known as Twitter, early on Friday. The songwriter posted a sharply worded essay expressing his disgust and disbelief after originally sharing a Facebook link to the phony film.
There is a phony film going around that purports to show my computer-generated photo with a topi on my head and states that I have finally turned to God. It’s garbage,” Javed wrote.
He also made it apparent that, if needed, the situation could get out of hand. “I am seriously considering reporting this to the cyber police and ultimately dragged the person responsible for this fake news and those few who forward it to the court for damaging my reputation and credibility,” he wrote in a another post.
AI Video Is Released Following Public Discussion
Shortly after Javed Akhtar took part in a public debate with Islamic scholar Mufti Shamail Nadwi in New Delhi, the AI-generated image started making the rounds on the internet. The Constitution Club of India hosted a debate titled “Does God Exist?” that gained recognition for its philosophical and intellectual interaction. The edited footage, which wrongly attributed Akhtar’s religious statements, came to light shortly after the occurrence.
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Celebrities Speak Out Against AI Abuse
Javed Akhtar’s response is in line with Kangana Ranaut’s recent worries. As she left Parliament, the actor-politician pointed out AI-edited photos that depicted her in suits rather than sarees.
“Originally, these are my pictures from the Parliament in saris,” Kangana posted online, expressing her annoyance. Don’t use AI on my photos. She went on to say, “This is completely unacceptable. Every morning when I wake up, I envision myself wearing different Al outfits, doing different makeup, and even editing pictures. People need to quit dressing up other people! Please stop making these Al adjustments and give me complete control on how I want to appear and what I want to wear.
Actors Sreeleela and Nivetha Thomas also discussed the risks of AI-generated content last month, calling for increased ethical accountability and awareness of privacy concerns.
As AI technology becomes more widely available, representatives of the entertainment sector are urging protections against damage to one’s reputation and the dissemination of false information.