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Manoj Bajpayee Demands Payment for AI Use of Actors' Work & Identity

Actor Manoj Bajpayee emphasized the critical need for financial compensation when an artist's work or identity is used, particularly in the context of advancing AI in filmmaking. Speaking at the International Film Festival of Delhi, he stated that using anything related to an artist necessitates payment, reflecting the credibility built over a long career. The festival, organized by Delhi Tourism and the Delhi government, is a week-long event showcasing cinema and hosting industry discussions. Bajpayee is also participating in a special session about his journey in the film industry.

Key Points: Manoj Bajpayee on AI, Personality Rights: "Pay Us for Our Work"

  • AI's growing impact on filmmaking
  • Importance of personality rights for artists
  • Payment for use of identity or work
  • Building credibility over decades
2 min read

"If someone uses our work, they must pay us": Manoj Bajpayee on personality rights amid growing AI use in filmmaking

Actor Manoj Bajpayee stresses the need for payment and respect when AI uses an artist's work or identity, speaking at the International Film Festival of Delhi.

"If someone uses our work, they must pay us. - Manoj Bajpayee"

New Delhi, March 27

Actor Manoj Bajpayee on Friday attended the ongoing International Film Festival of Delhi 2026, where he spoke about the growing impact of AI in filmmaking and the importance of personality rights.

During his interaction with the media at the festival, the 'Family Man' actor spoke about how any use of an artist's work or identity should come with proper "payment" and respect for their years of effort. He said that actors build their credibility over time and if someone uses anything related to them, they must be paid for it.

"Agar humari cheez use karenge, toh paise humko denge. Humse judi koi bhi cheez agar aap upyog karenge, toh uska moolya toh aapko dena padega. Kyunki main as an actor 32 saal se kaam kar raha hoon, toh zaahir si baat hai ki aap apni credibility khud banate ho, aur uska agar koi upyog karega, toh ek tarah se rights ke hisaab se paisa dena padega." (If someone uses our work, they must pay us. If anything related to us is used, they will have to pay for it. I have been working as an actor for 32 years, so you build your own credibility, and if someone uses it, they must pay for it as a right.)

Manoj Bajpayee is also scheduled for a special "In-Conversation" session at the festival, where he will talk about his long journey in the film industry.

Organised by the Delhi Tourism & Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) in association with the Government of Delhi, with KPMG as knowledge partner, the International Film Festival of Delhi is a government-led, city-wide festival showcasing Indian and international cinema while making film culture accessible to audiences across the capital.

The week-long festival, running from March 25 to 31, will offer a series of screenings, discussions, and industry events across various venues in New Delhi, uniting filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from around the globe.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I agree with the principle, the law needs to catch up fast. What if a fan makes a tribute video using AI? Is that also a violation? We need clear guidelines, not just emotional appeals. The industry and government should work on a framework.
A
Aman W
True for stars like him, but what about junior artists or background dancers? Their "personality" might also get copied by AI. Will they get paid? The fight should be for everyone in the industry, not just the top-billed actors.
S
Sarah B
Interesting point. In the West, SAG-AFTRA went on strike over similar issues. India needs its own strong unions to negotiate these rights. Otherwise, producers will use AI to cut costs and replace real people. Solidarity is key.
K
Karthik V
Bhai sahab bilkul sahi kaha. 32 saal ki mehnat ka faida koi aur AI ke through uthaye, yeh toh bilkul bhi theek nahi hai. Technology acchi hai par uske niyam bhi hone chahiye. 👏
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Nisha Z
I respect Manoj sir, but this also feels a bit limiting for creativity. What about parody or satire? Or using AI for educational content about cinema history? The conversation shouldn't be just about payment, but also about reasonable use.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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