Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has come out strongly against a deepfake video that falsely depicts him as having “turned into God,” calling the viral clip “rubbish” and warning against the misuse of artificial intelligence in spreading misinformation. Akhtar’s response follows a growing number of incidents in recent months where AI-generated content has been misused to create fabricated visuals of public figures, including the earlier case involving actor Kangana Ranaut.
The controversy began when a manipulated video circulated widely on social media platforms showing Akhtar in a surreal, digitally altered setting that suggested he had attained a divine status. The video was shared with captions and comments implying that Akhtar had made mystical claims about himself — a narrative he says is entirely false and misleading. The fake clip quickly attracted attention, with some viewers initially seeming unsure whether it was real.
Reacting to the incident, Akhtar took to social media to denounce the video and make his position crystal clear. In a statement, he described the content as completely fabricated and devoid of any basis in reality. “This stuff is rubbish,” he said, emphasising that he had never made any such claims or endorsed the video in any way. His message reflected both frustration and concern about how easily false material can spread online, and how AI tools are increasingly being used to create convincing yet deceptive visuals.
A fake video is in circulation showing my fake computer generated picture with a topi on my head claiming that ultimately I have turned to God . It is rubbish . I am seriously considering to report this to the cyber police and ultimately dragged the person responsible for this… — Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) January 1, 2026
Akhtar’s stance comes at a time when AI-generated content has surged across digital platforms, blurring the line between what is real and what is altered. In some cases, the manipulation has been harmless or humorous, but several deepfake videos have crossed into the territory of misinformation and reputational harm. Celebrities and public intellectuals have been among those targeted, with videos wrongly showing them saying or doing things they never did.
This is not the first time a prominent figure has had to clarify that an AI-generated clip was false. Earlier, actor Kangana Ranaut publicly objected to a deepfake video that used AI to put fabricated words into her mouth, prompting debate about the ethical and legal challenges posed by such technology. The incident sparked widespread concern in entertainment and media circles over the growing sophistication of AI tools and the lack of adequate safeguards against misuse.
Experts in digital media and cybersecurity have warned that as generative AI becomes more accessible and powerful, the potential for harmful deepfakes — whether for political manipulation, financial fraud or personal defamation — will increase. Unlike traditional photo or video editing tools, AI can create highly convincing scenes that are difficult for the average viewer to distinguish from real footage. That raises questions about digital literacy, platform responsibility and the need for regulatory frameworks to protect individuals’ identities and reputations.
In his remarks, Akhtar underscored the importance of verifying information before sharing or believing it, especially in an era where a single misleading clip can reach thousands or millions within hours. He urged followers not to be swayed by sensational content that lacks credible sourcing, and to critically evaluate what they see online.
The incident also highlights how public figures must now contend not only with traditional media narratives but also with synthetic media that can distort truth for attention or impact. For someone with Akhtar’s stature and legacy in Indian cinema and literature, the needless circulation of fake content represents both a personal affront and a broader concern about the integrity of public discourse in the digital age.
As debate continues about AI’s role in content creation, Akhtar’s vocal pushback serves as a reminder that technological advancement must be coupled with ethical responsibility. Without clear norms and greater public awareness, the line between entertainment, satire, and misinformation will continue to blur, often at the expense of truth.