Deepfake Video Of Rashmika Mandanna Sparks Concerns, Amitabh Bachchan Calls For Legal Action

Actor Amitabh Bachchan has called for legal action in response to the circulation of a deepfake video featuring Rashmika Mandanna on social media. The video portrays a woman in a black outfit entering an elevator, but her face has been digitally altered to resemble the actress.

This incident has raised concerns about the rapid spread of "unreliable" information on the internet, prompting Bachchan to repost the video and declare it a compelling case for legal intervention.

The woman originally featured in the video is Zara Patel, a British-Indian social media influencer with a substantial following. She initially posted the video on 9 October.

At first glance, it's challenging to detect the manipulated version of Mandanna, making it easy for social media users to be deceived. However, upon closer examination, one can notice that as the woman enters the elevator, her face suddenly transforms.

Several users expressed their shock and concerns, with one saying, "Ok, this is terrifying." Another remarked, "It's astonishing how authentic this video appears!" A third person added, "The alarming unreliability of online information is deeply troubling."

One user emphasised the significance of regulating deepfake content, stating, "This is horrifying for content creators and actors whose personality rights and even content/videos are in the public domain. The worst part is that the current legal framework is insufficient to criminalise individuals attempting such deepfake videos. We need proper regulation."

Another individual warned of the potential consequences, noting, "High-quality deepfake, very disturbing. I think the powerful will use it to their advantage, and the ordinary person will suffer. It's enough to ruin anyone."