In the light of recent controversies surrounding the influx of deepfake videos, Indian film actor Rajkummar Rao has joined the growing chorus of voices calling for more stringent regulations to govern the application of artificial intelligence, especially in the generation of such content. This concern comes against the backdrop of several high-profile stars, such as Rashmika Mandanna, Aamir Khan, and Ranveer Singh, falling prey to the deceptive accuracy of deepfake technology.
In a candid conversation with ANI, the acclaimed actor also delved into details about his much-anticipated film, ‘Srikanth,’ which is poised for a cinematic release on May 10th. Rao highlighted the pressing need for comprehensive legal frameworks to tackle the potential for misuse and abuse of artificial intelligence, emphasizing that only a minuscule segment of the population possesses a clear understanding of the nuances of AI.
“The ramifications of these technologies are profound, and their unchecked misuse can cause significant repercussions. Strict laws should be enacted to prevent such occurrences and to guide the responsible utilization of AI,” stated Rao.
Rajkummar Rao’s insights into AI and its applications come at a time when deepfake videos are becoming alarmingly common, blurring the lines between reality and forgery and raising serious ethical concerns. Given their capacity to convincingly replicate an individual’s appearance and voice, deepfake videos harbor the potential for significant misuse, from propagating misinformation to character assassination.
On the subject of his upcoming movie, ‘Srikanth,’ Rao shared how deeply moved he was by the protagonist’s life story, a tale of triumph and inspiration against all odds. The film narrates the real-life journey of industrialist Srikanth Bolla, a visually impaired pioneer who overcame his disability to establish Bollant Industries successfully.
Discussing his preparation for the role of playing a visually impaired character, Rajkummar Rao revealed the extensive research and immersion he undertook. “It necessitated considerable preparation – a first for me in playing a visually impaired individual. It began with visits to a blind school, engaging and interacting with visually impaired individuals. I devoted hours to understanding their world perspective and how they navigate diverse situations,” he explained.
Further underscoring the transformative power of Bolla’s story, Rao conveyed how Srikanth’s character is designed to simultaneously entertain and galvanize audiences. “It’s a story that needs to be shared, illustrating that with determination, one can scale great heights irrespective of the challenges faced,” he shared.
In ‘Srikanth,’ Rajkummar Rao breathes life into the exceptional narrative alongside co-stars Jyotika and Sharad Kelkar. The production comes from the collaborative efforts of T-Series and Chalk N Cheese Films Production LLP, with Tushar Hiranandani at the helm as director, and the script penned by Jagdeep Sidhu and Sumit Purohit.
Rajkummar Rao’s commentary on the potential pitfalls of AI and his role in ‘Srikanth’ both spotlight the duality of modern technology—its power to enable creativity and expression, as well as the urgency for governance to ensure it serves the collective good. Fans and advocates alike await the actor’s forthcoming portrayal with keen interest, as ‘Srikanth’ promises to be more than just a film; it’s a beacon of hope aspiring to enlighten and inspire audiences worldwide.
