Taking to her social media accounts on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the actor issued a strongly worded public statement serving as a formal legal notice to anyone digitally manipulating or sharing her image and likeness.
The Formal Legal Notice
Calling out the rampant proliferation of AI-manipulated photos, videos, and voice clones circulating across online platforms, Mrunal Thakur posted a direct warning across her Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts:
"Creating or sharing deepfake content using my likeness is illegal and unacceptable. Consider this your formal notice to stop immediately. Any further misuse of my identity will result in legal action."
— Mrunal Thakur, via Instagram / X
Creating or sharing deepfake content using my likeness is illegal and unacceptable. Consider this your formal notice to stop immediately. Any further misuse of my identity will result in legal action.
— Mrunal Thakur (@mrunal0801) August 3, 2026
While the actor did not point to a specific video or account that triggered her response, industry sources note that her statement applies broadly to any creator or social media entity producing or sharing AI-generated content using her identity without authorization.
Growing Trend of Indian Celebrities Protecting Personality Rights
Mrunal Thakur's public warning comes as major Indian actors increasingly turn to high courts to protect their personality rights, image rights, and voice clones from unauthorized commercial and digital misuse.
High Court Precedents: Actors like Anil Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Arijit Singh, and Preity Zinta have previously secured omnibus "John Doe" injunctions from courts restraining social media platforms, AI tools, and commercial entities from exploiting their face, name, and voice without consent.
Industry Concern: The debate surrounding deepfakes in Indian cinema gained momentum after manipulated videos featuring Rashmika Mandanna, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, and Katrina Kaif surfaced online, prompting widespread calls for stricter digital regulatory frameworks and takedown protocols.
Trade Verdict:
As generative AI tools become more accessible, public legal notices from leading actors like Mrunal Thakur highlight a shifting industry approach toward proactive enforcement. Her warning sets a precedent for legal follow-through as digital creators and platforms face increasing scrutiny over content attribution and identity rights.
