Rajat Bedi, the Bollywood actor known for his roles in films like "Koi... Mil Gaya," is appealing to fans to stop creating AI-generated images and edits of his daughter, Vera Bedi, after she gained unexpected attention following the premiere of Aryan Khan's "The Ba***ds of Bollywood". Vera's appearance at the event led to comparisons with Bollywood icons like Kareena Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai, with some even dubbing her the "new national crush".
However, the sudden fame and the proliferation of AI-generated content have left Vera feeling "overwhelmed" and "scared," according to her father. In an interview, Rajat Bedi revealed that Vera is disturbed by the "inappropriate AI images" and fan pages that have emerged. He recounted a conversation with his daughter, where she expressed her distress over the situation, saying people are creating "galat galat images bana rahe hain" (making wrong, wrong images). Some posts even went as far as to suggest that Vera could "eat up 10 Aishwaryas or 10 Kareenas," which Bedi found inappropriate and upsetting.
"She was very overwhelmed and scared as well," Rajat Bedi said, describing Vera's reaction to the online attention. "One day she was unable to focus on her work and said, 'Papa, people are making AI images of me, galat galat images bana rahe hain'". He emphasized that Vera is a "very innocent girl" who is currently focused on her studies and is unsure about entering the film industry.
Bedi pleaded with fans to stop comparing his daughter to established actresses like Kareena Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai, calling them "very big personalities in our industry". He requested that people give his daughter "love and respect" and allow her to continue her studies without undue pressure. He also expressed his concern over the safety of his family after the AI-generated photos of his children went viral.
The actor acknowledged that while Vera is also happy with the attention, "somewhere she is not liking the way it's coming out". He specifically requested that people refrain from creating AI-generated images of both Vera and his son, Vivaan, who worked as an assistant director on "The Ba***ds of Bollywood" and aspires to become an actor.
The controversy highlights the growing concerns surrounding AI-generated content and its impact on individuals, particularly young people who are thrust into the public eye. While AI can be used for creative purposes, it also raises ethical questions about consent, privacy, and the potential for misuse.
Rajat Bedi's plea underscores the need for responsible online behavior and a greater awareness of the potential harm that can be caused by creating and sharing AI-generated images without considering the subject's feelings and well-being.
