An artificial intelligence (AI) manipulated video featuring the face of popular actress Rashmika Mandanna on the body of British-Indian teenager Zara Patel has been making rounds on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. The deepfake video initially led some viewers to believe that the woman was indeed Rashmika Mandanna. However, discerning netizens were quick to point out that the video had been altered using AI technology.
The woman in the video is actually Zara Patel, who enjoys a significant following of 416K on Instagram. She originally posted the video on her Instagram account on October 9. The video was later manipulated to replace Zara’s face with that of Rashmika Mandanna, leading to confusion among viewers.
Rashmika Mandanna on the Body of Zara Patel Viral on Twitter and Instagram
Deepfake technology uses deep learning, a subset of AI, to swap faces or voices in videos or images. This technology has been at the center of several controversies in recent years, with cybercrime experts receiving numerous complaints about its misuse. The technology has been used to tarnish reputations and even for extortion purposes.
In this case, many social media users criticized the creators of the deepfake video, calling for strict action against those who published it. They argued that such videos are often created solely to garner views, without considering the potential harm they could cause.
Rashmika Mandanna has received multiple accolades and nominations for her roles in films. Despite the controversy surrounding the deepfake video, she continues to be in high demand as an actress. Her upcoming projects include “Animal,” a collaboration with Ranbir Kapoor, and an untitled film with Vijay Deverakonda, among others.
This incident underscores the urgent need for a legal and regulatory framework to address the challenges posed by deepfake technology in India. In the past, deepfake videos featuring well-known personalities like Tom Cruise, Anne Hathaway, and others have also made news, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue.
