Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has reacted strongly to a fake AI-generated video that falsely claims he has “turned to God.” The video shows a computer-made image of Akhtar wearing a skull cap and links it to a religious claim. Javed Akhtar has called the video false and misleading.
The issue has sparked fresh debate around the misuse of artificial intelligence. It comes just days after actor and MP Kangana Ranaut raised concerns over AI-edited images of her from Parliament. Once again, public figures are speaking up against AI misuse and fake content.
Javed Akhtar Calls Out Fake AI video
On Friday morning, Javed Akhtar took to X, formerly Twitter, to address the viral video. He shared a Facebook link where the fake video was being circulated. He made it clear that the visuals were not real.
Calling the video rubbish, Akhtar expressed his anger in a direct post. He wrote, “A fake video is in circulation showing my fake computer-generated picture with a topi on my head, claiming that ultimately I have turned to God. It is rubbish.”
He also said he may take legal action in the matter. In another post, he wrote, “I am seriously considering to report 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.”
The timing of the fake video has raised eyebrows. Just days earlier, Javed Akhtar took part in a public debate in New Delhi titled Does God Exist? The discussion was held at the Constitution Club of India. Islamic scholar Mufti Shamail Nadwi was also part of the event. Soon after the debate, the AI-generated image began circulating online, wrongly linking the discussion to a personal belief claim.
Many social media users have backed Akhtar. They have criticised the growing trend of using AI to spread false stories and damage reputations.
Kangana Ranaut, Sreeleela And Others Also Spoke On Misuse of AI
Javed Akhtar’s reaction follows a similar stand taken by Kangana Ranaut. A few days ago, AI-edited photos of Kangana went viral. The images showed her wearing suits while exiting Parliament. Kangana clarified that the original photos showed her in saris.
Reacting to the edits, she wrote, “Originally, these are my pictures from the Parliament in saris. Stop using AI on my pictures.”
She also shared her frustration in another post. She wrote, “This is violating beyond words, every day I wake up to see myself in various Al clothes various makeups, even in edited photos, people should stop dressing up others!! Please stop with these Al edits and let me choose/decide how I want to look and what I want to wear when is entirely my prerogative.”
Last month, actors Sreeleela and Nivetha Thomas also spoke about the dangers of AI-generated content. They warned about privacy issues and misuse. Both actors called for the ethical use of AI and more awareness around its impact.
