Bollywood stars Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in public appearance
Bollywood stars demand ₹4 crore in damages, citing misuse of their likeness in AI-generated explicit content
New Delhi, India (Star Struck Times) — In a landmark legal move, Bollywood power couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan have filed a lawsuit against YouTube and its parent company, Google, in the Delhi High Court. The couple is seeking ₹4 crore in damages over the dissemination of deepfake videos and AI-generated explicit content that falsely depict Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in inappropriate contexts with actor SalmanKhan. The court has already granted them protection of their personality and publicity rights and has directed the involved parties—particularly the legal representatives of YouTube and Google—to respond to the case.
The lawsuit, filed in early September 2025, spans over 1,500 pages and demands $450,000 in damages. The Bachchans argue that the AI-generated content represents a severe violation of their privacy and constitutes misuse of their images and identities. They have requested the court to compel YouTube to remove such content and prevent it from being used to train AI models.
Instances mentioned in the lawsuit include altered videos of Abhishek unexpectedly kissing an actress and AI-generated clips depicting Aishwarya with Salman Khan while Abhishek appears to watch in anger. One video on a channel named AI Bollywood Ishq has garnered over 4.1 million views. The couple claims these videos harm their reputation and dignity and generate revenue for creators under YouTube’s data-sharing policies.
The legal move underscores a growing pushback from public figures against the unauthorized exploitation of their image and identity in the digital realm. The Bachchans’ case is significant as India currently lacks specific laws protecting personality rights, unlike some U.S. states. Legal experts suggest courts may prompt platforms like YouTube to adopt faster processes for celebrity complaints.
The Delhi High Court has already ordered the takedown of 518 such web links. Despite this, similar videos remain online. The actors warn that training AI on such biased materials perpetuates harmful portrayals.
In response to the lawsuit, YouTube has stated that it is committed to complying with local laws and regulations and is reviewing the court’s order. The company has also emphasized its efforts to combat the spread of harmful and misleading content on its platform.
Audience reactions have been mixed. While some fans have expressed support for the Bachchans, praising their efforts to protect their image and privacy, others have raised concerns about the implications of the lawsuit on freedom of expression and the potential for overreach in regulating online content.
The case is set to be heard again on January 15, 2026. Legal experts believe the outcome could set a precedent for how courts handle cases involving AI-generated content and the protection of personality rights in India.
FAQs
Q: What is the Bachchans’ lawsuit about? A: The Bachchans have filed a lawsuit against YouTube and Google over deepfake videos and AI-generated explicit content that misuse their images and identities.
Q: How much compensation are they seeking? A: They are seeking ₹4 crore (approximately $450,000) in damages.
Q: What is the current status of the case? A: The Delhi High Court has granted the Bachchans protection of their personality and publicity rights and has directed YouTube and Google to respond to the case. The next hearing is scheduled for January 15, 2026.
Q: Why is this case significant? A: It is one of the most high-profile cases in India addressing the misuse of AI-generated content and the protection of celebrity personality rights.
Stay informed about the evolving landscape of digital privacy and celebrity rights by following this case closely. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for online content regulation in India.
Hello! I'm M Muzamil Shami, the founder and lead editor of Star Struck Times, your trusted source for trending news, entertainment scoops, celebrity gossip, sports highlights, and global headlines.
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