Actor Shriya Saran has opened up about the misuse of artificial intelligence to create sexually explicit images of women without their consent. In an interaction with News18, the ‘Drishyam’ actor revealed that she has also been targeted by morphed images. She discussed how such manipulation can distort a woman’s appearance and turn her body into a subject of online scrutiny. Her remarks come amid renewed outrage over an AI-altered video featuring Janhvi Kapoor, which has drawn condemnation from several members of the film industry.
Shriya Saran speaks about AI-morphed images
Shriya said digitally altered pictures can change physical features or remove clothing, creating images that do not reflect reality. She acknowledged that people sometimes respond to such content with humor, but stressed that the practice remains inappropriate and upsetting.“It’s funny. Sometimes, I don’t even know if it’s me. They change the size of your b*s, suddenly the cape that you were wearing is gone or your a looks bigger. You’ve to take it with a pinch of salt. Having said that, it’s annoying and it’s not right,” she said.The actor also recognized that artificial intelligence can offer useful applications across different fields. However, she warned that the same technology can cause harm when used irresponsibly. She believes society will need to find ways to address its risks as AI becomes increasingly common.“While AI has a lot to give us and a lot to help us with, there’s also a lot it can change for us. It can lead to things that can be dangerous. I think that applies to every technology. With time, we’ve to either learn to live with it or deal with it,” she added.
Shriya Saran recalls her early days in cinema
Shriya made her acting debut with ‘Ishtam’ in 2001. Looking back at her early years, she recalled how film sets offered a different working environment. Actors often spent breaks together, shared meals outdoors and discussed books, music and everyday life.“We didn’t have make-up vans. I didn’t have one in my first three films. We would find a tree and sit under it and have our lunches together. It was beautiful in a way. The positive side is that I still remember my conversations with some of my co-actors and directors. We used to sit together and discuss life and books. Hum recorder laya karte the aur sab saath mein music sunte the,” she says.
Actor discusses changing film sets and technology
Shriya believes the way people interact on film sets has changed significantly over the years. She recalled how actors once listened to music together, contrasting those memories with the widespread use of personal earphones today.“Now, everyone has earphones and you don’t even know what the other person is listening to. Cinema has changed a lot. The style of srytelling has changed a lot,” she added.
Shriya Saran on women in filmmaking
Beyond technological changes, Shriya highlighted the growing presence of women in decision-making roles within the film industry. She believes meaningful progress depends on women having opportunities to shape projects, influence storytelling and decide which films receive financial backing.“There are more women behind the camera than in front of it,” she said.The actor added that films centred on women should also involve women in key creative and financial decisions. She acknowledged that the industry still has a long way to go, but believes change is underway.“There are women deciding the kind of story that needs to be told and what they should put money in. You can make as many women-oriented stories as you want but if the people behind the camera are all men, you can’t really label them as a female-led film. We’ve a very long way to go but change has begun.”
Janhvi Kapoor’s AI video sparks industry outrage
The controversy gained attention after an AI-generated video manipulated footage of Janhvi Kapoor’s song ‘Chuttamalle’ from ‘Devara: Part 1’. The altered clip depicted sexually explicit imagery that was absent from the original song. Janhvi condemned the incident, describing the misuse of AI as deeply violating and objectifying.Jr NTR, who starred alongside Janhvi Kapoor in ‘Devara: Part 1’, also strongly criticised the deepfake video. Chiranjeevi and Khushbu Sundar were among the other film personalities who took a stand against the misuse of technology. The incident has renewed concerns about protecting performers from non-consensual digital manipulation.