Legendary lyricist-screenwriter Javed Akhtar has become the newest victim of AI misuse, following actor-politician Kangana Ranaut. A viral deepfake video falsely depicting him wearing a skullcap (topi) and claiming he has “turned to God” sparked widespread circulation on January 1, 2026. The staunch atheist swiftly condemned it as “rubbish” and threatened legal action.
The Viral Clip Breakdown: Manipulation, Timing, and Misrepresentation
The AI-generated video shows a computer-fabricated image of Akhtar in religious attire, paired with fabricated statements suggesting a spiritual shift—contradicting his lifelong secular and atheistic stance. It surfaced shortly after his high-profile debate “Does God Exist?” with Islamic scholar Mufti Shamail Nadwi in December 2025, raising suspicions of targeted misinformation.
Akhtar’s Response: Firm Denial and Legal Threat
On X, Akhtar posted: “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.” He added he is “seriously considering” reporting to cyber police and pursuing court action against creators and sharers for damaging his reputation.
Rising Deepfake Trend: From Kangana to Celebrities
This follows Kangana Ranaut’s recent outrage over morphed parliamentary images. Other victims include Rashmika Mandanna, Alia Bhatt, and Shah Rukh Khan, highlighting AI’s growing threat to public figures.
Buzz and Legacy
Support poured in, with calls for stricter laws against deepfakes amid concerns over misinformation’s impact.
A Digital Horizon Awaits
Akhtar’s stand isn’t silence—it’s ignition. As deepfakes target icons, truths defend, and laws evolve, it affirms: Fabricated lies summon vigilance in technology’s ceaseless charge.
-By Manoj H