Actress Shriya Saran speaks out against AI deepfake abuse in cinema

Bollywood and regional cinema are grappling with a troubling new threat as artificial intelligence technology is increasingly being weaponized to create non-consensual deepfake videos of actors. The issue came into sharp focus recently when actor Janhvi Kapoor fell victim to such manipulation, prompting her to voice her distress publicly over the invasive practice.

Now, actor Shriya Saran, known for her work in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films including the Drishyam franchise, has added her perspective to the ongoing discussion. Saran's comments underscore the widespread nature of the problem across the entertainment industry, highlighting how AI tools are being misused to alter actors' appearances and create fabricated content without consent.

The manipulation typically involves alterations such as removing clothing or changing body proportions in videos—a form of digital violation that has raised serious concerns about privacy, dignity, and the need for stricter safeguards. Industry observers note that the issue extends beyond mere embarrassment, touching on questions of consent, intellectual property, and potential legal liability.

The instances involving Kapoor and Saran's comments have reignited demands for stronger legislative action and technological solutions to curb deepfake abuse. While some platforms have begun implementing detection tools, experts emphasize that a comprehensive approach involving law enforcement, technology companies, and policymakers is essential to protect performers and the broader public from AI-enabled harassment.