Snehashish roy
Actor Mrunal Thakur has become the latest Bollywood celebrity to take a firm stand against the growing misuse of artificial intelligence after issuing a strong legal warning against the creation and circulation of deepfake content using her likeness. Calling such acts “illegal and unacceptable”, the actor warned that anyone continuing to misuse her identity would face legal consequences.
Taking to Instagram, Mrunal shared a strongly worded statement addressing those responsible for creating or sharing manipulated AI-generated images and videos featuring her. “Creating or sharing deepfake content using my likeness is illegal and unacceptable. Consider this your formal notice to stop immediately. Any further misuse of my identity will result in legal action,” she wrote, making it clear that she would no longer tolerate the unauthorised use of her image.
Although the actor did not specify which deepfake video or online account prompted the warning, her statement comes amid growing concerns over the rapid rise of AI-generated fake content targeting celebrities. Deepfake technology has increasingly been used to create manipulated videos, morphed images and fabricated audio clips, raising serious questions about privacy, identity theft and online harassment.
Mrunal’s warning places her among a growing list of Indian film personalities who have taken legal or judicial action to protect their personality rights from AI misuse. In recent months, actors including Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Shilpa Shetty, Preity Zinta, Kartik Aaryan and Suniel Shetty have
approached courts seeking protection against the unauthorised use of their names, voices and images through artificial intelligence.
The issue of AI-generated deepfakes has become one of the biggest challenges facing the entertainment industry. From fake endorsements to morphed intimate content and manipulated videos, celebrities have increasingly found themselves vulnerable to digital impersonation. Experts have repeatedly warned that such content not only damages reputations but can also facilitate fraud, misinformation and online abuse.
Hours after issuing her warning, Mrunal intensified her campaign against AI misuse by urging internet users to help identify offenders. Through another social media post, she encouraged people to tag accounts involved in sharing AI-generated or non-consensual intimate images, writing that “the internet isn’t anonymous when the law gets involved.” She also suggested creating a public record of repeat offenders to aid accountability.
Mrunal’s intervention follows similar concerns previously raised by actors such as Rashmika Mandanna, whose deepfake video had sparked a nationwide conversation on AI ethics and online safety. The actress had then called for stricter punishment for those misusing artificial intelligence to create vulgar or misleading content. The latest warning from Mrunal further reflects the entertainment industry’s growing determination to combat AI-driven identity theft through legal means.
On the professional front, Mrunal was last seen in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai and is expected to feature in Atlee’s upcoming action entertainer Raaka. While her latest social media posts have shifted attention away from her film projects, they have also highlighted the urgent need for stronger safeguards against the misuse of artificial intelligence, as more public figures move to protect their identities in the digital age.