Some of Bollywood’s biggest stars are turning to the courts to protect themselves from a rising tide of AI-generated deepfakes and digital impersonation. The rapid spread of manipulated images, videos, and voice-cloning content featuring their likeness is causing immense damage to their reputations and personal rights. Prominent actors including Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, and members of the Bachchan family have recently sought judicial relief in different high courts across India, marking a significant moment in the fight against misuse of digital identities.

The challenge posed by AI technology is stark. In one alarming case, a fake movie trailer using AI to cast Akshay Kumar as Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister attracted nearly 2 million views before being taken down. Deepfake videos that distort facts or place celebrities in fabricated scenarios are causing real-world consequences, including protests and widespread misinformation. The courts have responded with increasing urgency, recognizing that traditional laws need to evolve to handle this new digital threat effectively.

Broad Legal Protections in a Digital Age

India currently lacks specific legislation addressing AI-generated deepfakes, but courts have begun granting wide-ranging protection under existing personality rights frameworks. For instance, the Bombay High Court has issued sweeping injunctions, sometimes against anonymous “John Doe” defendants, compelling social media platforms and technology firms like Meta, YouTube, and X Corp to remove infringing content promptly and assist with identifying offenders.

The legal battles also explore nuanced questions about AI content training data. The Bachchans’ lawsuit against YouTube claims that AI platforms use uploaded videos to train models without consent, potentially propagating biased or misleading content. This case, scheduled for further hearings in early 2026, may set important precedents on digital content rights and AI accountability.

Technological Advances and the Legal Response

The technology enabling these deepfakes is increasingly accessible. Platforms now offer tools such as “AI Akshay Kumar V2 Voice,” allowing anyone to generate speech in the actor’s tone simply by typing text. This democratisation of advanced AI tools fuels an escalating cycle of misuse that the courts find urgent to check.

Legal experts commend the proactive judicial approach, noting that while India’s statutory framework lacks specific AI regulations, judges are innovating protections to safeguard public figures. These victories by Bollywood’s elite signify a turning point, as courts balance protecting individual dignity and navigating emerging technological challenges.

As the cases develop, they spotlight urgent calls for clearer AI laws in India similar to the European Union’s AI Act, ensuring that rapid technological progress does not erode fundamental rights. For now, Bollywood’s legal stand provides a strong defensive front against the growing crisis of AI deepfakes and digital impersonation that threatens celebrities and public trust alike.

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