Actress Team Alleges Unauthorized Commercial Use of Her Name, Images and Videos; Legal Action Underway
Mumbai,
A dispute between actress Urvashi Rautela’s team and a Los Angeles-based AI company has now spilled onto social media. Rautela’s team has alleged that the company used the actress’s name, photographs and videos for commercial purposes without permission. According to the team, legal action is being pursued, including an assessment of damages of around ₹7,000 crore.
The allegations have drawn a response from Sheeraz Hasan, founder and CEO of Bollywood.AI and Hollywood.AI. The controversy emerged following a viral interview in which Rautela was asked about Bollywood and the growing influence of artificial intelligence on the entertainment industry.
During the interview, Rautela said that AI is affecting Bollywood and that the industry is concerned about the changes being brought by the technology. She also expressed her love for Bollywood.
Responding to the actress’ remarks through his Instagram handle, Hasan said that no words were put into Rautela’s mouth during the interview. He also advised her to learn more about the future of AI and the entertainment business before commenting on the subject.
Hasan wrote that Rautela should “educate yourself” about artificial intelligence and the future of the Bollywood entertainment business before giving her views on the subject.
He further described Bollywood.AI and Hollywood.AI as part of the future of entertainment and referred to AI films, vertical dramas and digital stars. According to Hasan, digital stars can work around the clock, speak multiple languages and remain unaffected by ageing.
Rautela’s Team Objects to Alleged Unauthorized Use
Meanwhile, Rautela’s team has maintained that the actress’ name, photographs, videos and identity were allegedly used for commercial purposes related to AI without obtaining permission.
In a statement, the team alleged that the business had generated significant commercial value through the unauthorized use of Rautela’s name, images and videos. It said that appropriate legal remedies were being pursued, including an assessment of ₹7,000 crore in damages against the Los Angeles-based company.
The team also stated that the company was free to build its own AI business and brand but should not use Rautela’s name in its commercial activities without authorization.
The dispute has now become a subject of discussion on social media, with both sides putting forward their respective positions. The ₹7,000 crore figure is an alleged damages assessment cited by Rautela’s team and should not be treated as a court-awarded compensation amount.
