### Bollywood Royalty Fights Back: Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan Sue YouTube Over AI Deepfakes, Eyeing Rs 4 Crore Payout
In a bold stand against the shadowy world of AI manipulation, power couple Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan have escalated their battle to the Delhi High Court, slapping YouTube and its parent company Google with lawsuits demanding a whopping Rs 4 crore ($450,000) in damages. The filings, reported on October 2, 2025, target a surge of deepfake videos that twist their images into salacious, misleading narratives—often roping in ex-flame Salman Khan for extra spice. This isn't just celebrity drama; it's a landmark push to rein in unchecked AI tech that's blurring lines between fiction and fact.
#### The Deepfake Dilemma: What Sparked the Lawsuit?
The Bachchans aren't taking these digital doppelgangers lightly. According to court documents, the offending clips—viewable on YouTube channels with millions of subscribers—use AI to superimpose their faces onto explicit or fabricated scenarios, including rumored romantic entanglements with Khan that never happened. One viral video, for instance, depicts Aishwarya in compromising positions, racking up views while peddling clickbait titles like "Aishwarya's Secret Affair Exposed." Abhishek's suit highlights similar manipulations that tarnish his public image, with the couple arguing these videos violate their right to privacy, publicity, and dignity under Indian law.
The lawsuits seek not just compensation but a "permanent injunction" to force YouTube to scrub these videos, ban offending channels, and implement stricter AI detection protocols. "The platform's algorithms amplify this poison, turning harassment into profit," a source close to the family told Reuters. Filed separately but in tandem, the petitions invoke Sections 66A and 67 of the IT Act, alongside defamation claims, marking one of Bollywood's first high-profile salvos against deepfake proliferation.
This comes amid a broader AI reckoning in India. Just last month, the government issued advisories urging platforms to watermark deepfakes, but enforcement remains toothless. For the Bachchans, who've long championed women's safety (Aishwarya as a UN Messenger of Peace), it's personal: These clips don't just embarrass—they endanger, fueling online trolls and real-world stalking.
#### From Cannes to Court: The Bachchans' Legacy Under Siege
Aishwarya, the "Queen of Bollywood" whose Cannes red-carpet grace has inspired global icons, and Abhishek, the understated heir to the Bachchan empire, have built careers on authenticity. Their 2007 wedding was a fairy tale; now, AI is scripting nightmares. The couple's reps confirmed the move, stating, "In an era where technology outpaces ethics, we must protect our truth."
Reactions poured in swiftly. Salman Khan, ever the bridge-builder, tweeted support: "Deepfakes are a menace. Stand with Ash and Abhi—let's end this." Filmmaker Karan Johar called it "a wake-up call for all creators," while netizens on X trended #JusticeForBachchans, blending solidarity with memes. Critics, however, question why YouTube's the sole target: "Third-party creators are the real culprits," one legal expert noted, pointing to the platform's Section 79 safe harbor immunity under Indian law.
#### Broader Ripples: Will This Redefine AI Accountability?
This lawsuit could be a game-changer. Globally, deepfake scandals—from Taylor Swift's explicit fakes to political smears—have prompted U.S. bills and EU regs, but India's patchwork rules lag. The Bachchans' Rs 4 crore demand isn't pocket change; it's symbolic, aiming to set precedents for stars like Deepika Padukone (who faced similar morphing last year) and everyday victims.
Experts predict a tough road: YouTube's vast library (500 hours of uploads per minute) makes monitoring Herculean, but AI tools like those from Hive Moderation could help. As Abhishek posted cryptically on Instagram, "Truth isn't editable. Fight for it." If the court sides with them, expect a domino effect—platforms scrambling for compliance, creators rethinking boundaries.
In Bollywood's glittering facade, this is a gritty reminder: Fame's spotlight now casts long, distorted shadows. Kudos to the Bachchans for wielding the law like a spotlight of their own. What's next—AI disclaimers mandatory on every reel? Stay tuned; the verdict could drop by Diwali.
*What do you think—overreach or overdue? Drop your thoughts below.*
