In the wake of viral deepfake images, Marathi actress Girija Oak Godbole has expressed her dismay at the inappropriate messages she has received from men. The actress, known for her roles in Marathi cinema, found herself at the center of an online storm after AI-generated morphed images and videos began circulating across social media platforms. The surge in content followed widespread attention drawn by her appearance in a blue saree.

Oak addressed the issue in a heartfelt Instagram video, acknowledging the humorous and creative memes that emerged but also highlighting the unsettling nature of the AI-morphed images. She stated that these images sexualized and objectified her, causing significant discomfort. "Many of my friends, relatives, and acquaintances have been sending me posts and memes. Some of them are ridiculously funny and very creative, but some are AI-morphed images of me that are not in good taste. They sexualize and objectify me, and it makes me uncomfortable," she explained.

Beyond the discomfort caused by the images themselves, Oak revealed that she was "appalled" by the entitlement with which some men felt they could send her unsolicited and inappropriate texts following the spread of the deepfakes. While she did not disclose the exact nature of the messages, her statement implied a sense of violation and objectification stemming from the manipulated content.

The actress, who is a mother, voiced concerns about the long-term impact of these images, especially on her 12-year-old son. She worried about him encountering the images as he grows older and navigates social media. Oak also pointed out a troubling aspect of digital behavior, observing that the fake images create a sense of cheap thrill, even when viewers are aware of their artificial nature.

The incident has amplified the ongoing debate surrounding AI-generated content, celebrity deepfakes, and digital ethics in India. As more public figures fall victim to manipulated content, the need for public awareness and ethical conduct online is becoming increasingly urgent. Legal actions, such as filing FIRs under sections of the Indian Penal Code related to cheating, forgery, and harming reputation, have been pursued in similar cases, highlighting the potential legal ramifications of creating and sharing deepfakes.

Girija Oak has urged both content creators and consumers to consider the ethical implications of using AI to morph images inappropriately. She also encouraged audiences to support her genuine work in films, shows, and plays. Other actresses, such as Rashmika Mandana, have also been victims of deepfakes. Mandana publicly expressed how "really hurt" she was by the incident.

Experts recommend being vigilant in detecting deepfakes by looking for unnatural facial movements, unusually clean audio, inconsistent lighting, and blurred or distorted images. The rise of deepfakes has prompted discussions about the need for safeguards and regulations to combat the misuse of AI technology.