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Javed Akhtar Threatens Legal Action Over Deepfake Video Spreading Fake News

Legendary screenwriter Javed Akhtar has threatened legal action against creators and circulators of a deepfake video that falsely depicts him turning to religion. The warning follows a high-profile public debate where Akhtar, known for his secular views, challenged Islamic scholar Mufti Shamail Nadwi on the existence of God. Akhtar clarified the viral computer-generated video showing him wearing a topi is completely fabricated and damaging to his reputation. This incident highlights growing concerns about AI-generated misinformation targeting public figures in India.

Key Points: Javed Akhtar Legal Threat Over Deepfake Video | Fake News

  • Deepfake video controversy
  • Legal warning issued
  • Viral atheism debate
  • Reputation damage claim
  • Social media misinformation
2 min read

Javed Akhtar warns of legal action against creators making his deepfake video with misleading claims

Javed Akhtar warns of police action against creators of a deepfake video falsely showing him embracing religion after a viral debate on God's existence.

"I am seriously considering to report this to the cyber police - Javed Akhtar"

Mumbai, Jan 2

Legendary screenwriter Javed Akhtar has warned of legal action against those who have circulated a deepfake video of him with misleading claims.

On Thursday, Javed Akhtar took to his X, formerly Twitter, and shared a long note in which he spoke about the alleged video, and issued clarification.

He wrote, "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 further mentioned, "I am seriously considering to report this to the cyber police and ultimately dragged the person responsible for this fake news and those few who forward it to the court for damaging my reputation and credibility".

A few days ago, Javed Akhtar and Islamic scholar Mufti Shamail Nadwi engaged in a high-profile public debate in New Delhi titled 'Does God Exist?' at the Constitution Club of India, moderated by journalist Saurabh Dwivedi. Akhtar, well known for his secular and atheistic views, challenged traditional theistic arguments, raising questions about faith, evidence, and reason.

Mufti Nadwi, educated in classical Islamic scholarship, defended theistic positions, grounding his arguments in logic, philosophical reasoning, and theological premises. The exchange quickly went viral online, drawing sharp reactions across social media and commentary platforms from believers, agnostics, and secular thinkers alike. Some viewers hailed the mufti's rebuttals as persuasive and applauded his delivery, while others felt Akhtar's secular reasoning was compelling. The debate reignited broader conversations about faith, logic, and public discourse in India's diverse society.

Earlier, Javed Akhtar penned a heartfelt birthday note for his filmmaker daughter Zoya Akhtar, remembering the day she was born. Javed Akhtar was married to Honey Irani, with whom he had two children, Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar. He then married National Award-winning actress Shabana Azmi in 1984.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I don't agree with all his views, creating a fake video to mock someone's beliefs (or lack thereof) is just low. The debate itself was interesting, but this is crossing a line.
A
Aman W
This is the problem with social media today. People will believe anything that fits their narrative. Saw that debate clip, it was intense. But making a deepfake? That's just pathetic.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, while the deepfake is wrong, I feel public figures who engage in debates on sensitive topics like religion should also be prepared for all kinds of reactions, even if unfair. The legal action is his right, though.
K
Karthik V
The debate was trending everywhere! Both sides made some points. But this fake video nonsense spoils the actual intellectual discussion. Hope the police take action, this sets a dangerous precedent.
N
Nisha Z
As an admirer of his work, this is sad. Javed sahab has always been clear about his secular stance. Creating a video with a 'topi' is clearly meant to provoke and mislead. Fully support his decision to go to court.

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