Urvashi Rautela‘s team has said it is pursuing legal action against a Los Angeles-based artificial intelligence company over the alleged unauthorised use of her name, images and videos. The team made the claim in a post on Instagram on Tuesday.
What Urvashi Rautela’s post said
The statement read, “We are pursuing appropriate legal remedies, including damages currently being assessed at Rs 7,000 crore against the Los Angeles-based company. Build your AI (artificial intelligence) company. Build your brand. But keep Urvashi’s name out of your business unless you have permission. Team Urvashi.”
Sheeraz Hasan responds
According to the Hindustan Times report, in another Instagram post, Sheeraz Hasan, founder and CEO of Bollywood AI, responded to the claims and called them ridiculous. “Sheeraz Hasan, founder and CEO of Bollywood AI and Hollywood AI, has responded to what he says is a 7,000 crore legal claim following his viral interview with Urvashi Rautela,” read the caption.In the interview, Bollywood AI asked Urvashi, “What’s your thoughts on Bollywood and artificial intelligence?” She answered, “Bollywood? I think artificial intelligence is something which is really, you know, which is like, you know, Bollywood is suffering with it. And I mean Bollywood is something which I love. So I love Bollywood.”The company’s reply took a sharp tone. “Urvashi, we didn’t put those words in your mouth. I highly recommend you educate yourself about artificial intelligence and the future of Bollywood’s entertainment business before giving an answer.”It added, “Bollywood AI and Hollywood AI are the future of entertainment: AI movies, vertical dramas and digital stars who never age, speak multiple languages, work 24/7 and have no egos. You can fight your answer, but you can’t fight what’s coming next embrace it: the evolution of the entertainment industry in Bollywood.”
Growing issues with AI
The development comes against the backdrop of increasing legal scrutiny in India over celebrity personality rights and the misuse of AI-generated content. Actors including Salman Khan, Preity Zinta and Mohanlal have voiced concerns about their likenesses being used without authorisation through AI, deepfakes and voice cloning.The Delhi and Bombay High Courts have also previously granted protection to celebrities against the unauthorised use of their names, images and digital personas.
A look at Urvashi Rautela’s career
Urvashi Rautela began her career as a model before making her Bollywood acting debut in the 2013 action drama ‘Singh Saab The Great’. After working in Hindi films since 2013, she made her Telugu debut a decade later. She has also featured in special numbers such as ‘Boss Party’ from the Chiranjeevi-starrer ‘Waltair Veerayya’, ‘Wild Saala’ from the Akhil Akkineni-starrer ‘Agent’ and ‘My Dear Markendeya’ from the Sai Dharam Tej and Pawan Kalyan-starrer ‘Bro’.
