Bollywood actor Yami Gautam has asked media organisations not to use artificial intelligence (AI) to alter or enhance photographs taken during her public appearances.
Gautam, who recently won the National Award for Best Actress, made the request in a post on X on Sunday.
“A sincere request to the media,” she wrote. “Please refrain from using AI to alter or enhance my photographs from public appearances. Kindly use images in original form.”
The actor added that manipulating a person’s image or likeness using AI should not be done without their knowledge and consent.
“Altering or manipulating an individual’s image or likeness using AI should not be done without their knowledge and consent,” she said.
Request comes amid concerns over AI misuse
Gautam’s comments come as Indian actors and filmmakers raise concerns about the use of AI to manipulate celebrities’ images and videos without permission.
The issue has gained attention following legal action involving actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu, after the Bombay High Court directed social media platforms to remove objectionable content allegedly using her name, image, likeness and identity without permission. The material reportedly included AI-generated deepfakes.
A separate controversy emerged over a manipulated AI video based on the song Chuttamalle from Devara: Part 1, featuring Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor.
The altered video digitally manipulated Kapoor’s appearance, prompting reactions from members of the film industry. Jr NTR and Chiranjeevi publicly criticised the misuse of AI, while Kapoor also spoke out against the circulation of altered content without consent.
Yami Gautam’s upcoming film
Gautam is currently preparing for the release of Nayyi Navelli, in which she plays Mohini, a newly married woman who joins the Awasthi family.
The film also stars Addinath M Kothare, Anurag Thakur, Sunita Rajwar, Mita Vasisth, Aaditya Kulshreshth, Susmita Mukherjee and Prateek Pachori.
Nayyi Navelli is scheduled to release in cinemas on October 16.
