Veteran lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar has announced his intention to pursue legal action after a manipulated video of him, falsely claiming he has “turned to God,” went viral on social media.
The video, which shows an AI-generated image of Akhtar wearing a traditional cap (topi), has been widely circulated with captions suggesting a religious conversion or newfound devotion. Akhtar took to X (formerly Twitter) to firmly denounce the clip, calling it “fake” and “rubbish.”
In his statement, Akhtar clarified that the imagery was digitally created and the claims attached to it are entirely false. He expressed strong disapproval of the misuse of his identity and reputation.
“I am seriously considering reporting this to the cyber police and ultimately dragging the person responsible for this fake news, and those few who forward it, to court for damaging my reputation and credibility,” he wrote.
The incident highlights the growing concern around AI-generated deepfakes and synthetic media being used to spread misinformation or tarnish public figures’ images. Akhtar’s response underscores a firm stance against digital impersonation and the potential legal consequences for creating and disseminating such fabricated content.
Authorities and legal experts continue to emphasize the importance of verifying information before sharing, especially content involving notable personalities, as similar cases of AI misuse have seen increased legal scrutiny.
