In an unsettling development that strikes a resonant chord with the risks of cutting-edge technology, Bollywood icon Ranveer Singh has found himself in the midst of a deepfake scandal. A fabricated video, artificially crafted with advanced AI, displayed Singh allegedly expressing political viewpoints—a misrepresentation that the actor has decisively confronted by filing an FIR, a formal police complaint in India.
Singh, regarded as one of India’s most flamboyant and celebrated actors, is recognized not just for his dynamic roles on the silver screen but also for his vibrant public appearances and fashion statements. It was during one such event, a fashion show orchestrated by the renowned designer Manish Malhotra in the historic city of Varanasi, that the original video was recorded. Varanasi, known for its deep spirituality and as one of humanity’s oldest cities, played backdrop to Ranveer’s genuine praise for the city’s development and his personal experiences there. Actress Kriti Sanon, another luminary in the Indian film industry, also graced the event with her presence.
However, the integrity of the captured moment was compromised when the authentic video was manipulated using deepfake technology. The resulting forgery showcased Singh speaking, but the voice that viewers heard was not his. It was, in actuality, a voice clone of Singh, synthesized by AI algorithms that can mimic speech patterns and vocal tones. This technology has raised grave concerns over its potential misuse, as witnessed in this incident.
Upon the realization that the deceptive video was gaining traction online, Ranveer Singh’s management promptly took action. “Yes, we have filed the police complaint and FIR has been lodged against the handle that was promoting the AI-generated deepfake video of Mr. Ranveer Singh,” confirmed Singh’s spokesperson.
Seeking to raise awareness about such technological abuses, Singh took to social media himself, cautioning his followers with a playful yet stern advisory, “Deepfake se bacho dostonnnn,” which translates to “Beware of deepfakes, friends.”
But amid the swirl of this modern-age conspiracy, the virtuoso actor maintains a busy professional schedule. He is set to reprise his rousing role as Simmba in Rohit Shetty’s upcoming cop drama ‘Singham Again’. The film boasts a star-studded lineup including Deepika Padukone, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Kareena Kapoor Khan, promising to be a cinematic juggernaut.
Additionally, Ranveer is slated to take the lead in director Farhan Akhtar’s highly anticipated ‘Don 3’, which is projected for a 2025 release. Akhtar, who has previously directed hits like ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ and ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, has warmly welcomed Singh into the iconic ‘Don’ franchise, previously helmed by legends Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.
In a heartfelt social media post, Akhtar recounted the historical significance of the suave and enigmatic character ‘Don’, appealing to the audience to extend the same affection to Singh’s iteration of the role. “We hope that you will show him the love you have so graciously and generously shown to Mr Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan,” echoed Akhtar’s sentiments.
Ranveer Singh’s confrontation with the shadowy side of AI innovation serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges facing public figures in the digital age. While the law tackles the practical aspects of misuse, Singh’s continued professional pursuits reaffirm the resilience of artists in the face of technological exploitation. With inputs from ANI, this report underscores not only the versatility and magnetism of Singh’s craft but also the very real risks that come bundled with the boundless possibilities of AI.
