Actor Denounces AI-Generated Video as Fake

Actor Shalini Pandey has spoken out against a video circulating on social media that she says is fake and AI-generated. In a statement shared on Instagram on Monday, Pandey clarified that the clip does not depict her and urged users not to share or engage with it.

"I want to address a fake, AI-generated video of me that is currently being circulated online," Pandey wrote. "The video is completely fabricated and does not depict me."

The video, which purportedly shows the actor topless, has been widely shared across platforms. Pandey's response comes amid growing concerns over AI-generated and digitally manipulated content, particularly involving public figures. Such videos can be created or altered to make it appear as though a person is present in footage they were never part of, raising serious questions around consent and privacy.

Condemning Misuse of Technology

In her statement, Pandey expressed distress over the misuse of technology to target individuals, especially women. "It is deeply disturbing to see technology being misused in this way to target and harm individuals, especially women," she said. She strongly condemned the abuse and stressed that such misuse of technology should never be normalised.

Pandey also called on social media users to take responsibility. "If you come across this video, please do not share, forward, download, or engage with it. Instead, please report it immediately," she wrote, adding, "I request everyone to be responsible and mindful, and help stop its circulation rather than giving it further reach."

Her statement has been reported by several news outlets, including the Free Press Journal, Hindustan Times, Times Now, and The Times of India. According to the Free Press Journal, the viral video showed Pandey allegedly posing topless while covering her chest with her hands, before turning around and laughing at the camera. The clip left netizens questioning its authenticity.

Career Background

Pandey, an Indian actress who predominantly works in Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil films, began her acting journey with theatre in Jabalpur before making her film debut with Sandeep Reddy Vanga'sArjun Reddy in 2017. Her portrayal of Preethi Shetty opposite Vijay Deverakonda in the Telugu blockbuster became her big break.

She later appeared in films includingMahanati (2018),Jayeshbhai Jordaar (2022),Maharaj (2024), and more recentlyRahu Ketu alongside Varun Sharma and Pulkit Samrat. She has also featured in projects such asDabba Cartel and the Tamil filmIdly Kadai.

Pandey's public clarification highlights the broader issue of AI-generated content targeting public figures, a concern that has grown as such technology becomes more accessible.