Actor's Deepfake Trauma: 'It Still Troubles Me'

Janhvi Kapoor has shared her profound discomfort with deepfakes and AI-generated images, an issue that continues to affect her. During her school days, Kapoor discovered her images on adult websites, an experience she initially tried to rationalize as a consequence of social media exposure. This encounter marked her first, unsettling brush with what she now recognizes as deepfake technology.

Presently, Kapoor finds herself troubled by the proliferation of AI visuals that misrepresent her. She notes that entirely fabricated images, depicting her in clothing she has never worn, are circulated by official news outlets. This distortion of reality, she explained, can create a false impression and potentially be used to question her professional decisions regarding attire.

Despite the distress, Kapoor admits to feeling a reluctance to voice her concerns publicly. She believes her privileged background leads to an attitude of 'you've got so much in life, tolerate a little,' which she feels diminishes the credibility of her complaints. She also highlighted the invasive nature of paparazzi culture, questioning the consensual consumption of women's images for profit.

Kapoor recognized that sexualized content is globally the most consumed, driving its continued circulation. She concluded that the fabricated narratives shape audience perception, influencing filmmakers and career opportunities. While she wishes she could disregard these issues, she acknowledges their significant impact on her career, stating she is not yet in a position of power to ignore them without professional repercussions.