As AI continues to evolve, so does the unsettling realm of deepfake technology. This sophisticated AI-driven tool not only allows cybercriminals to mimic voices but also manipulate videos, making them appear astonishingly authentic. In a recent incident, actress Rashmika Mandanna found herself at the center of a deepfake controversy.
A Viral Deepfake Storm
A viral video recently stormed the internet, seemingly capturing Rashmika Mandanna entering an elevator. However, a closer look revealed the shocking truth—it was a deepfake, a digitally manipulated video. The level of deception is so convincing that it has garnered millions of views, with over 2.4 million on the social media platform, X (formerly Twitter).
The Origin of the Deception
The video initially appeared on Instagram on October 8, featuring a woman named Zara Patel. There is no concrete evidence linking Zara Patel to the creation of the deepfake video. The identity and motivations of the video’s creator remain shrouded in mystery. Unfortunately, Rashmika Mandanna is not the first victim of such deceitful tactics, as various celebrities have faced similar deepfake challenges in recent years.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Tweet About This Incident
Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan also weighed in on the deepfake issue, tweeting that these incidents make a “strong case for legal” action. He further shared a tweet from a journalist on X, which featured the authentic video of the British Indian.
Spotting the Deception
Comparing the deepfake and the authentic video side by side reveals a stark difference. In the genuine footage, Zara Patel’s face is clearly visible as she enters the elevator. However, within a mere second, the video undergoes a metamorphosis, transforming into the likeness of Rashmika Mandanna, the celebrated Indian actress who has been in the limelight since 2016.
