Bollywood Stars Akshay Kumar and Hrithik Roshan Approach High Courts Over Personality Rights

Bollywood superstars Akshay Kumar and Hrithik Roshan have filed petitions in the Bombay High Court and Delhi High Court, respectively, seeking legal protection of their personality rights against alleged misuse, including unauthorized commercial exploitation and digital manipulation.

Akshay Kumar’s petition specifically highlights concerns over the misuse of his name, images, likeness, voice, distinctive performance style, mannerisms, and other identifiable attributes, with a particular emphasis on protection against artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content. The actor, who has appeared in over 150 films, is requesting the court to ensure that his personality is not exploited without consent.

Meanwhile, Hrithik Roshan has approached the Delhi High Court to safeguard his rights against similar unauthorized use. Both petitions are scheduled for hearings today in their respective courts.

Legal experts note that such cases reflect a growing trend where celebrities are proactively seeking judicial safeguards against the misuse of their identity in the era of deepfakes, AI-generated media, and digital marketing. “Courts are increasingly being asked to define and protect personality rights in the context of modern technology, which poses new challenges for public figures,” said advocate Meenal Kapoor, an expert in intellectual property law.

The outcomes of these hearings could set important precedents for how Indian courts balance the rights of individuals against emerging digital technologies.