Bollywood star Anil Kapoor has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential figures in artificial intelligence by TIME Magazine’s prestigious 2024 TIME 100 AI list. The recognition highlights Kapoor’s recent legal victory and his efforts to safeguard the rights of actors in the evolving world of AI.
A Landmark Victory
Kapoor was added to the TIME list following his September 2023 victory in a landmark case that addressed the unauthorized commercial use of his persona. The Delhi High Court granted an interim injunction that prohibited 16 entities from exploiting Kapoor’s likeness, voice, image, or other distinctive traits without his permission.
This legal battle was spurred by the widespread circulation of morphed videos and emojis featuring his iconic phrase “jhakaas,” which became a part of Indian pop culture after his 1985 film Yudh. Kapoor shared his thoughts with Variety, stating, “Every actor has the right to protect themselves.”
The ruling marked a significant moment in India’s entertainment industry as it aimed to regulate the unauthorized use of AI-generated content. The court’s decision prevented the defendants from using Kapoor’s persona for commercial purposes, whether through merchandise, ringtones, or other digital means, ensuring his personality rights were safeguarded.
AI in Bollywood
Bollywood, one of the largest film industries globally, producing over 1,500 films annually, has increasingly faced challenges with AI misuse. Kapoor’s case emerged as a turning point in this debate. Last year, several deepfake videos featuring prominent female actors such as Alia Bhatt and Rashmika Mandanna went viral, raising concerns about the impact of AI on personal privacy and image rights.
During the Indian elections earlier this year, AI-generated videos featuring actors Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh surfaced, criticizing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The deepfake videos triggered widespread alarm, underlining the potential political misuse of AI technology.
Setting a Legal Precedent
Kapoor’s legal success has encouraged other actors and public figures to protect their personality rights. In July 2024, Indian singer Arijit Singh secured interim relief from the Bombay High Court after unauthorized AI platforms mimicked his voice. One AI platform had even used text-to-speech software to convert text into Singh’s voice, violating his legal rights.
Journalist Astha Rajvanshi, writing for TIME, emphasized the growing legal battles against AI misuse and how Kapoor’s victory sets a precedent for others in the entertainment industry to claim control over their digital representations.
Paving the Way for Future Protections
Anil Kapoor’s inclusion in the TIME 100 AI list is not just a personal accolade but a recognition of his role in shaping how AI technology is governed in India’s entertainment sector. His fight for his rights in an increasingly digital world has opened doors for further discussions about the ethical use of AI in media and entertainment. Kapoor’s legal victory and leadership in this area mark a pivotal moment as Bollywood and the world continue to grapple with the implications of AI advancements.