Javed Akhtar Slams Deepfake Video Claiming Religious Shift, Considers Legal Action

Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has expressed strong anger over a fake AI-generated video circulating on social media that falsely claims he has “turned to God.” Calling the content misleading and damaging, Akhtar said he is exploring legal options against those responsible for creating and sharing the deepfake.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) early Friday, Akhtar dismissed the video as completely fabricated. The clip, which uses an AI-generated image of him wearing a skull cap, emerged online shortly after his recent public debate with Islamic scholar Mufti Shamail Nadwi in New Delhi on the topic “Does God Exist?” The discussion was held at the Constitution Club of India.

Sharing a link to the viral video, Akhtar wrote that the claim being made through the manipulated visuals was “rubbish” and had no basis in reality. In a subsequent post, he said he was seriously considering approaching cyber police and pursuing legal action against both the creator of the fake video and those who amplified it online, stating that it harms his reputation and credibility.

The incident comes close on the heels of actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut raising concerns about AI misuse. Earlier this week, Ranaut objected to AI-altered images of her circulating online that showed her wearing suits instead of sarees while exiting Parliament. She said the edits were intrusive and violated her personal choice and identity.

Concerns around the unchecked use of artificial intelligence in creating misleading or intrusive content have been growing within the film industry. Last month, actors Sreeleela and Nivetha Thomas also spoke out about the ethical and privacy risks posed by AI-generated images and videos, urging greater awareness and accountability.

With prominent public figures increasingly becoming targets of deepfakes, Akhtar’s response has added to calls for stricter action against digital impersonation and misinformation in the age of artificial intelligence.