Bollywood.AI and Hollywood.AI founder and CEO Sheeraz Hasan has responded to concerns raised by actress Urvashi Rautela’s team over the alleged unauthorised use of her name, photographs and videos in connection with artificial intelligence. According to Rautela’s team, a Los Angeles-based AI company allegedly used her identity and content without permission.
The actress’ team has said it is pursuing legal remedies, with damages currently being assessed at INR 7,000 crore. The dispute follows a viral interview in which Rautela was asked about Bollywood and the growing role of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry.
Sheeraz Hasan Responds to Urvashi Rautela’s Comments
During the interview, Rautela spoke about her views on Bollywood and artificial intelligence, saying that AI was something Bollywood was dealing with while also expressing her affection for the Hindi film industry.
Hasan later addressed her comments on Instagram. He said that the interview did not influence or script Rautela’s response and suggested that she learn more about artificial intelligence and its potential impact on the future of entertainment.
Hasan also outlined his vision for Bollywood.AI and Hollywood.AI, pointing to AI-generated movies, vertical dramas and digital stars as areas he believes will become part of the entertainment business. He described AI-based digital personalities as capable of working continuously, speaking multiple languages and remaining unaffected by age or ego.
He further urged Rautela to accept the changes that artificial intelligence could bring to the entertainment industry.
Urvashi Rautela’s Team Raises Concerns Over AI Use
Rautela’s team has continued to object to what it describes as the commercial use of the actress’ name, image and likeness through AI without authorisation.
In its statement, the team alleged that the business had generated billions of dollars in value through the use of Rautela’s name, images and videos without permission. It said appropriate legal remedies were being pursued and that damages were being assessed at INR 7,000 crore against the Los Angeles-based company.
The statement also emphasised that businesses could develop their own AI technology and brands, but should not use Urvashi Rautela’s name in connection with their operations without obtaining permission.
The dispute comes amid an ongoing discussion around the use of artificial intelligence in entertainment and the rights surrounding the use of public figures’ names, images and likenesses.