Yami Gautam has urged media organisations not to use artificial intelligence to alter or enhance her photographs taken at public appearances, stressing that any manipulation of a person’s image or likeness should be done only with their knowledge and consent.
The actor made the request on social media on Sunday, asking the media to publish her photographs in their original form. Her statement comes at a time when the entertainment industry is increasingly raising concerns about the use of AI to manipulate photographs and videos of celebrities without permission.
What Yami Gautam said about AI-edited photos
Yami appealed directly to media organisations and asked them to refrain from using AI tools to modify pictures taken during her public appearances. She also emphasised that individuals should have knowledge of and consent to any AI-based alteration of their image or likeness.
The actor did not refer to any specific photograph or incident that prompted her request. Instead, her statement addressed the broader issue of how artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to modify images of public figures.
Her comments come amid growing discussions in the Indian film industry about the misuse of generative AI, particularly when digitally altered content changes a celebrity’s appearance or presents them in situations that never happened.
Yami’s request comes amid wider Bollywood AI concerns
Yami’s appeal comes shortly after a controversy involving an AI-manipulated video featuring Janhvi Kapoor. The digitally altered clip used footage from the Devara: Part 1 song Chuttamalle and prompted strong reactions from Jr NTR and Chiranjeevi.
Jr NTR criticised those responsible for creating and circulating the manipulated video, while Chiranjeevi described the misuse of AI as unacceptable and called for people who create or deliberately spread such material to be held accountable.
The incidents highlight a growing concern for actors and other public figures, as AI tools make it increasingly easy to modify photographs and videos while retaining a person’s recognisable likeness.
Yami Gautam’s upcoming film
On the work front, Yami Gautam is preparing for the release of Nayyi Navelli, an upcoming fantasy family entertainer directed by Balaji Mohan.
The actor plays Mohini, a newly married woman who enters a new family and initially appears to settle into her surroundings. However, the story gradually takes a darker turn as questions emerge about her character and the secrets surrounding her.
The film also stars Adinath M Kothare, Anurag Thakur, Sunita Rajwar, Mita Vasisth, Aaditya Kulshreshth, Susmita Mukherjee and Prateek Pachori. Nayyi Navelli is scheduled to release in theatres on October 16, 2026.
Yami’s latest statement adds her voice to the wider conversation around consent, privacy and responsible use of AI, particularly when technology is used to alter the identity and appearance of real people.