Bollywood actor Yami Gautam has asked media organisations to avoid using artificial intelligence to modify, enhance or otherwise alter photographs taken during her public appearances.
The actor, who recently received the National Award for Best Actress, made the request through a post on X, where she addressed media outlets directly about the use of AI-generated image modifications.
Yami Gautam requested that photographs of her should be published in their original form rather than being digitally changed using artificial intelligence.
She said altering or manipulating an individual’s image or likeness with AI should not happen without that person’s knowledge and consent.
The actor’s comments come at a time when the entertainment industry is increasingly debating the responsible use of artificial intelligence. AI tools can now make highly realistic changes to photographs and videos, raising questions about privacy, consent and the ownership of a person’s digital identity.
Gautam’s concerns also reflect a wider debate among Indian celebrities over the unauthorized use of AI technology. Actors and filmmakers have increasingly spoken about manipulated images, videos and deepfakes appearing online without their approval.
The issue has become particularly sensitive when AI tools are used to create content that changes a celebrity’s appearance or presents them in situations that never actually occurred.
Legal disputes have also brought greater attention to the issue. Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu was involved in legal action after the Bombay High Court directed social media platforms to remove objectionable material that allegedly used her name, image, likeness and identity without authorization.
Reports surrounding that case also highlighted concerns about AI-generated deepfake material and the challenges faced by public figures when manipulated content spreads across digital platforms.
Another recent controversy involved an altered AI video based on the song Chuttamalle from Devara: Part 1, which stars Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor.
The digitally manipulated video prompted criticism from several members of the Indian film industry. Jr NTR and Chiranjeevi publicly raised concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence, while Janhvi Kapoor also criticized the circulation of altered content without consent.
These incidents have added momentum to discussions about how AI should be used when creating or modifying content involving real people.
While artificial intelligence can provide useful tools for photography, filmmaking and digital media, celebrities are increasingly calling for clear boundaries when technology is applied to their personal image and likeness.
For Yami Gautam, the issue is particularly relevant because photographs taken during public appearances are often distributed across news websites and social media platforms. Her request indicates that she wants such images to remain authentic rather than being artificially enhanced or changed.
Meanwhile, Gautam is preparing for her upcoming film Nayyi Navelli. The actor will portray Mohini, a newly married woman who becomes part of the Awasthi family.
The film features an ensemble cast including Addinath M Kothare, Anurag Thakur, Sunita Rajwar, Mita Vasisth, Aaditya Kulshreshth, Susmita Mukherjee and Prateek Pachori.
Nayyi Navelli is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 16, adding another major project to Gautam’s upcoming film lineup.
As AI-generated content continues to become more sophisticated, Yami Gautam’s appeal highlights the growing importance of consent and authenticity when using technology to modify the images of public figures.
