Exclusive: Bhumi Pednekar Reacts to Deepfake Trend, Labels it a Profound Violation
Bhumi Pednekar, ahead of the release of her upcoming film “Bhakshak,” expressed her concerns about the alarming trend of deepfake scams in an exclusive interview with Indiatoday.in. She emphasized the profound violation inherent in the misuse of deepfake technology, particularly in the context of privacy and safety, especially for women. Pednekar empathized with individuals who have experienced the distressing misuse of their imagery, expressing her hope for a robust and immediate solution to address this issue.
The deepfake scam has garnered attention following the arrest of an individual accused of creating an AI deepfake video featuring Rashmika Mandanna, which gained significant traction on social media in November 2023. Subsequently, other prominent figures such as Katrina Kaif, Kajol, Alia Bhatt, and Priyanka Chopra also became targets of deepfake videos.
Deepfake videos, produced using artificial intelligence and machine learning, involve the manipulation or alteration of videos, often overlaying or substituting an individual’s face or voice with another person’s features. This process creates the illusion that the original person is engaging in actions or uttering words they never actually did. The rise of deepfake technology has raised concerns due to its potential for misuse, leading to the creation of deceptive or fabricated content, thereby complicating issues of authenticity and truthfulness in visual media.
Despite the controversy surrounding the deepfake scam, “Bhakshak” is set to be released on Netflix in February, marking a significant milestone in Pednekar’s career. The film, a gritty crime thriller, features Pednekar in the role of an investigative journalist confronting a formidable antagonist exploiting young girls at a women’s shelter. Pednekar has expressed her hope for the film’s success, drawing parallels to her previous achievements in the month of February.
