Javed Akhtar Denies Viral ‘Turning to God’ Video, Says It Is AI-Generated and May Approach Cyber Police
Veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar has publicly dismissed a viral video circulating on social media that claims he has “turned to God,” calling it...
Veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar has publicly dismissed a viral video circulating on social media that claims he has “turned to God,” calling it entirely fabricated and generated using artificial intelligence. The noted poet warned that he is considering legal action against those responsible for creating and sharing the content, citing damage to his reputation and credibility.
Akhtar Calls Viral Clip ‘Rubbish’
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on January 1, Akhtar clarified that the video in question features a computer-generated image falsely portraying him wearing a skullcap and making statements he never said.
In his post, Akhtar said the clip was completely fake and stressed that such misinformation should not be taken seriously. He added that he is exploring the option of filing a complaint with the cyber police and pursuing legal remedies against the creator of the video, as well as individuals who knowingly forwarded it.
According to Akhtar, the spread of such fabricated content undermines public trust and can have serious consequences for an individual’s public standing.
Growing Concern Over AI-Driven Misinformation
Akhtar’s statement comes amid rising concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence to create deepfake videos and images of public figures. In recent years, several Indian celebrities have been targeted by similar digital fabrications, prompting debates around online safety, consent, and accountability.
Actors such as Rashmika Mandanna, Katrina Kaif, Kangana Ranaut and Akshay Kumar have previously been victims of morphed or AI-generated visuals circulated without authorization, leading to calls for stronger enforcement of cyber laws and faster platform-level interventions.
Legal and Social Implications
Legal experts have repeatedly warned that AI-generated impersonation and misinformation can fall under identity theft, defamation, and cybercrime provisions under Indian law. While enforcement remains challenging due to anonymity and rapid content sharing, high-profile cases often accelerate policy discussions and awareness.
Akhtar’s warning to pursue legal action highlights the increasing willingness of public figures to confront digital misinformation head-on, rather than ignore it.
A Call for Caution Online
While Akhtar has not yet confirmed whether a formal complaint has been filed, his remarks serve as a reminder to social media users to verify content before sharing it. As AI tools become more sophisticated and accessible, experts caution that responsible consumption of online information is more critical than ever.
For now, the lyricist has made his position clear: the viral video is fake, misleading, and potentially actionable under the law.