Janhvi Kapoor condemns AI deepfake, defends women’s consent

Indian actor Janhvi Kapoor has spoken out against an AI-generated deepfake video that manipulated footage from the song “Chuttamalle” from her 2024 film Devara: Part 1. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence and the growing threat of digitally altered content targeting women.

The manipulated video reportedly changed original footage featuring Kapoor and presented her in a sexually explicit manner that was not part of the actual film. The altered content circulated online, drawing attention to how easily artificial intelligence can be used to create misleading and harmful material involving public figures.

Kapoor addressed the controversy on Instagram, making it clear that she believes the issue goes beyond the particular video involving her. She said the misuse of technology to create and spread content featuring women without their permission represents a much wider problem.

The actor described the non-consensual use of her image as deeply violating. She also highlighted the fact that women in the entertainment industry have repeatedly faced situations where their images, appearances and identities are used in ways they never approved.

According to Kapoor, the problem is not simply about one manipulated video. It is also about the wider attitude toward women’s bodies and personal boundaries. She argued that technology should never be used as a tool to ignore or remove a woman’s right to decide how her image is represented.

Kapoor stressed that consent should be clear and respected. A woman’s decisions about her body, clothing, appearance and personal choices do not give anyone permission to create or distribute sexualised content involving her.

She also rejected the idea that a woman’s previous choices can be used to justify violations of her privacy. Regardless of what someone wears, how they appear in public or what decisions they have made in the past, their consent remains essential when it comes to using their image.

The incident has also highlighted concerns about the speed at which AI-generated content can spread across social media. Once manipulated material is uploaded online, it can quickly reach thousands or even millions of people through reposts, downloads and sharing.

For victims, removing such content can be extremely difficult. Even when an original post is taken down, copies may continue to circulate on different platforms. This can leave affected individuals dealing with embarrassment, emotional distress and concerns about their privacy long after the original content disappears.

Kapoor’s comments have therefore added to a growing conversation about digital safety and the responsibilities that come with increasingly powerful AI technology. Artificial intelligence can be used for entertainment, creativity and many useful purposes, but its ability to realistically manipulate images and videos also creates serious risks.

Women, in particular, have become frequent targets of digitally altered sexual content. Celebrities are often vulnerable because large amounts of their photographs and videos are already available online. However, the problem is not limited to famous actors or public figures. Ordinary women can also become targets when their images are taken from social media and manipulated without permission.

The controversy surrounding Kapoor has once again raised questions about how technology companies, social media platforms and authorities can respond to AI-generated abuse. Stronger safeguards, faster reporting systems and greater awareness about digital consent could help reduce the harm caused by such content.

For Kapoor, the central issue remains respect for personal boundaries. Her response sends a wider message that technological ability should never be treated as permission. Creating something digitally does not make it acceptable when it violates another person’s dignity or consent.

As AI technology continues to develop, the debate surrounding deepfakes is expected to become increasingly important. Kapoor’s experience highlights why discussions about consent, privacy and responsible technology need to keep pace with these rapid developments.