In an era where artificial intelligence can create anything from paintings to videos, Bollywood’s biggest stars are stepping into the courtroom to protect something very personal: their own voices, faces, and on-screen personas. Aishwarya Rai and her husband Abhishek Bachchan have turned their attention to YouTube. They are demanding the platform stop hosting AI-generated videos that misuse their image, and even prevent such content from training other AI platforms.
The Bachchans argue that AI-generated videos using their likeness without permission are a serious violation of their intellectual property.
Their court filings seek not only removal of such videos but also long-term safeguards to prevent future misuse. “Such content being used to train AI models has the potential to multiply the instances of use of any infringing content,” the documents state, as Reuters reports.
The couple’s court filings span over 1,500 pages, including hundreds of screenshots and links showing “egregious” or “sexually explicit” AI content.
Examples highlighted include AI-manipulated videos where Abhishek appears to kiss co-stars. In some, Aishwarya is shown dining with Salman Khan while Abhishek fumes behind her. Another shows Abhishek being chased by a crocodile, with Khan coming to the rescue. While clearly fictional, these AI creations risk creating false narratives in the public mind, the Bachchans argue.
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Indian courts have already shown their willingness to protect Bollywood stars from the misuse of AI. A Delhi court in 2023 restrained the use of Anil Kapoor’s image and voice from being exploited by AI-generated content.
The Bachchans are taking this further, seeking $450,000 in damages. They also demand permanent injunction against Google and others who allow such misuse.
The Delhi High Court recently asked Google to submit written responses ahead of the next hearing scheduled for January 15. So far, representatives for the Bachchans and Google have not publicly commented.
Early September orders already mandated the takedown of 518 specific links listed by the actors. The orders stated the videos caused financial harm and damaged their reputation and goodwill.