Veteran lyricist and screenwriter javed Akhtar strongly condemned a fake AI-generated video circulating on social media that falsely claims he has “turned to God”. The misleading clip, which features a computer-generated image of Akhtar wearing a skull hat, has sparked outrage from its creator, who is now considering legal action against those responsible for creating and spreading the deepfake.
The controversy comes after actor and politician Kangana Ranaut expressed concern about AI-edited images of her being spread online, highlighting the growing problem of digital manipulation involving public figures.
javed Akhtar responds strongly to AI-generated clips
early Friday morning, javed Akhtar appealed to Company X, formerly known as Twitter, to publicly address the issue. The lyricist first shared a Facebook link containing the fake video, and then followed up with strongly worded posts expressing anger and disbelief.
“There's a fake video out there showing a fake computer-generated photo of me with a topic over my head that claims I ultimately turned to God. That's bullshit.” javed I wrote.
There's a fake video going around that shows a fake computer-generated photo of me with a topic on top of my head, ultimately showing me turning to God. That's garbage. I'm seriously considering reporting this to the cyber police and finally bring this person responsible…
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) January 1, 2026
He further clarified that the matter could be escalated legally if necessary. In another post, he added: “I am seriously considering reporting this to the cyber police and ultimately dragging those responsible for this fake news and the few who forwarded it to court for damaging my reputation and credibility.”
AI video emerges after public debate
AI-generated images began circulating online soon after. javed Akhtar participated in a public discussion with Islamic scholar Mufti. photo mail Nadwi, New Delhi. The debate, titled “Does God Exist?'' was held at the Indian Constitution Club and featured intellectual and philosophical exchanges. Shortly after the incident, a manipulated video surfaced that falsely attributed religious claims to Akhtar.
Celebrities speak out against misuse of AI
javed Akhtar's reaction reflects similar concerns raised by Kangana Ranaut recently. The actor-politician had criticized an AI-edited image that showed him wearing a suit instead of a sari as he exited parliament.
Sharing her dissatisfaction online, Kangana wrote, “These are originally pictures of me in Parliament wearing a sari. Please stop using AI on my pictures.” She further added, “This is an unspeakable violation. Every day I wake up in the morning and see myself, even in photoshopped photos, wearing different Al clothes and wearing different makeup. People need to stop dressing up others!! Stop editing these Al's and let me choose/decide how I want to look and what I want to wear, which is completely my prerogative.”
Actors last month three leela and Niveta Thomas also addressed the dangers of AI-generated content and called for greater awareness of ethical responsibility and privacy violations.
As AI technology becomes increasingly accessible, the entertainment industry is increasingly calling for safeguards to prevent reputational damage and the spread of misinformation.
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