The Bombay High Court has ordered the removal of an AI-generated video portraying Akshay Kumar as Maharishi Valmiki. The actor had approached the court after the video went viral on social media in September. Justice Arif Doctor ruled in Akshay Kumar’s favor, describing the AI-created clip as “truly alarming.” On Thursday, the court directed the withdrawal of the misleading video and highlighted the urgent need to protect the actor’s image and identity. Emphasising broader implications, the court stated that safeguarding individual rights against misuse of artificial intelligence is essential for both personal dignity and the welfare of society.
Bombay High Court Rules in Akshay Kumar’s Favour
Justice Arif Doctor remarked that the AI-generated video was “truly alarming” and underscored the urgent need to protect Akshay Kumar’s image and identity. “Such material must be eliminated from the public sphere without delay, not just for the actor’s sake but also for the greater public good.” The ruling further noted, “What is genuinely concerning in many of these instances is the realistic quality of deepfake images and videos generated by AI,” Justice Doctor stated, adding, “In terms of both images and videos, the alterations are so advanced and misleading that it becomes nearly impossible to identify them as anything other than authentic representations of the Plaintiff (Akshay).”
I have recently come across some AI-generated videos of a film trailer showing me in the role of Maharishi Valmiki. I want to clarify that all such videos are fake and created using AI. What’s worse, some news channels decide to pick these up as ‘news’ without even verifying if…
Calling the AI-generated video “deeply troubling,” Justice Doctor warned, “The repercussions of such content being spread are indeed severe and significant. Beyond infringing upon and impacting the Plaintiff’s personality and moral rights, these videos also represent a serious threat to the safety and security of the Plaintiff’s family and can have a detrimental and widespread effect on society and public order, which clearly seems to be the intent of those who produce such material.”
Senior counsel Birendra Saraf, representing Akshay Kumar in court, voiced concern about the growing risks and misuse associated with AI-generated videos.
Akshay Kumar’s mentioned in his statement
On September 23, Akshay Kumar took to X (formerly Twitter) to urge fans and media outlets not to believe the AI-generated video. He stated: “I have recently encountered some AI-generated videos of a film trailer featuring me as Maharishi Valmiki. I want to make it clear that all such videos are fabricated and produced using AI. What’s more troubling is that some news outlets choose to present these as ‘news’ without even confirming their authenticity. In an era where misleading content is rapidly generated through manipulative AI, I earnestly request media organisations to verify and report only after validating the information.”
Shivani
