Ashutosh Rana Breaks Silence on Deepfake Scandal After His Fake Political Video Trends Online: ‘This Could Lead to Character Assassination’

Mumbai: Renowned Bollywood actor Ashutosh Rana has spoken out about the emergence of deepfake technology and its potential misuse. In a recent interview with India Today, Rana expressed concern over the ease with which a person’s face can be artificially inserted into a video using AI technology. Rana revealed that he had been the victim of a deepfake video, where his face was superimposed onto a clip of him reciting a poem that appeared to be a political appeal for votes on behalf of a specific political party. Read on to find more details.

Ashutosh Talks About Character Assassination

Ashutosh expressed his concern about his deep fake video. The actor added, “Today, your face can be added to any video, and that could even lead to your character assassination. And even if that happens someday, I would only be answerable to my wife (Renuka Shahane), my two kids, my parents, who are no longer alive, and my guru. Otherwise, I really don’t care. However, I will say it again, that one has to be cautious. It takes years to build an image and just a day to destroy it (sic).”

What The Deepfake Video Featured?

The video, which featured the BJP emblem, was circulated with the intent of misleading viewers into believing that Rana was endorsing the party. The actor emphasised the concerning implications of this technology, stating that deepfakes could “even lead to your character assassination.” Rana’s comments highlight the growing need for greater awareness and regulation around the use of deepfake technology, as it poses a significant threat to individual privacy, reputation, and democratic processes.

Ashutosh Rana on Joining Politics

Discussing a potential political career, Ashutosh revealed, “Usually, it happens that way, but it has been the other way for me. Before I became abhineta (actor), I was a neta (politician). This is why people feel that I would soon join the sansad (Parliament). But not everyone can be in the Parliament, some people are on the road, part of the crowd. And I am one of them. I really feel if the public is awakened, that’s when the Parliament also shines (sic).”

Before, Ashutosh became a victim of deep fake video, several actors like Aamir Khan, Ranveer Singh, Katrina Kaif, and Rashmika Mandanna morphed videos took the internet by storm.

Ashutosh Rana’s Professional Front

Ashutosh Rana stars as a journalist in the new web series “Murder in Mahim,” directed by Raj Acharya. This social commentary delves into a dark Mumbai murder case and the city’s hidden depths. The story also explores the rekindling of a fractured friendship between Peter (Rana) and Jende (Vijay Raaz). Based on the acclaimed book by Jerry Pinto, “Murder in Mahim” is produced by Tipping Point Films. The cast also includes Shivani Raghuvanshi and Shivaji Satam in key roles. You can watch “Murder in Mahim”. In addition to “Murder in Mahim,” Ashutosh Rana will appear in the upcoming film “War 2.”