Artificial intelligence has opened exciting possibilities for entertainment, but its misuse is creating serious concerns for celebrities. The issue has once again come into focus after actor Yami Gautam asked media organisations not to use AI tools to alter or enhance her photographs without consent.
Around the same time, an AI-generated video featuring Janhvi Kapoor and Jr NTR became a major controversy online after footage from their popular Chuttamalle song was digitally manipulated into sexually explicit and degrading content. Janhvi described the incident as deeply violating, while Jr NTR warned that he would pursue legal action against those responsible.
These incidents have raised an important question: what can a celebrity—or any individual—do when their image is manipulated using AI?
Why Yami Gautam Spoke Out
Yami Gautam recently made a direct request to media organisations and photographers through social media. She asked them to use her photographs from public appearances in their original form instead of digitally altering or enhancing them with AI.
Yami specifically emphasised the importance of knowledge and consent before manipulating a person's image or likeness. Her statement came amid increasing discussion about the growing ability of AI tools to change a person's appearance while making the resulting image look authentic.
Her concern is broader than conventional photo editing. AI can potentially change facial features, clothing, body appearance or even place an individual in situations that never happened.
What Happened With Janhvi Kapoor’s AI Video?
The Janhvi Kapoor controversy involved footage from Devara: Part 1 song Chuttamalle, which originally featured Janhvi and Jr NTR in a romantic sequence.
The footage was digitally manipulated to create sexually explicit material that was not part of the original song. The altered video circulated online in October 2026, prompting strong reactions from members of the film industry.
Jr NTR condemned the video and said he would take legal action against both its creators and people spreading it. Janhvi later described the experience as a violation and spoke about the larger issue of consent and women's digital safety.
What Does Indian Law Say About AI Deepfakes?
India does not rely on one single law called the “Deepfake Act”. Instead, different provisions can apply depending on the nature of the manipulated material.
The Information Technology Act includes provisions dealing with identity theft, impersonation, privacy violations and the publication or transmission of obscene or sexually explicit material. Government guidance has specifically noted the relevance of provisions including Sections 66C, 66D, 66E, 67 and 67A in addressing different forms of online abuse and deepfake-related harm.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita can also become relevant depending on the circumstances, particularly where manipulated content involves offences against women, harassment or other unlawful conduct.
New IT Rules Strengthen Protection
The regulatory framework has also been strengthened in 2026 to deal specifically with synthetically generated information.
According to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, amendments to the IT Rules introduced additional obligations concerning AI-generated and manipulated content, including unlawful synthetic media. Platforms are required to take reasonable measures to prevent the creation and dissemination of certain unlawful AI-generated material.
The framework also provides mechanisms for dealing with content involving impersonation, obscene material and other unlawful synthetic content.
What Can a Person Do If Their Image Is Misused?
If someone's photograph or video is manipulated without consent, especially if it is defamatory, sexually explicit, impersonating or otherwise unlawful, the person can consider several steps.
First, they should preserve evidence by taking screenshots, saving links and recording where and when the material appeared. The content should not be repeatedly downloaded or shared unnecessarily.
The affected person can then report the material to the platform and seek its removal. Depending on the circumstances, a complaint can also be made to cybercrime authorities or the police.
In serious cases, legal advice can help determine whether provisions relating to privacy, impersonation, obscene content, defamation or offences against women may apply.
Why Consent Is Becoming Central to the AI Debate
The cases involving Yami Gautam and Janhvi Kapoor highlight two different forms of AI misuse. Yami objected to unauthorised alteration of her legitimate photographs, while Janhvi became the subject of a manipulated video that allegedly transformed existing footage into sexually explicit material.
Both cases ultimately raise the same fundamental issue: a person's face and likeness should not automatically become free raw material for AI manipulation simply because their photographs or videos are available online.
As AI tools become increasingly accessible, the challenge for celebrities, creators, media organisations and ordinary internet users will be finding a balance between technological innovation and individual consent, dignity and privacy.
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