Mumbai, November 17, 2025 – Veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has sparked a debate within the Indian film industry regarding the burgeoning role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in entertainment, particularly its potential impact on actors. Kapur, known for directing iconic films such as "Mr. India" and "Elizabeth," took to social media on Monday to share his thoughts on the matter, acknowledging AI's rapid advancements while asserting its current inability to replicate the emotional depth and complexity that seasoned actors like Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah bring to their performances.

In his Instagram post, Kapur shared a picture of Tilly Norwood, a completely AI-created virtual personality slated to appear in an upcoming OTT series. He noted that traditional Hollywood agencies are actively seeking to sign AI-generated performers, causing understandable apprehension within the acting community. This development, Kapur suggests, raises pertinent questions about the future of Bollywood and how it will adapt to the evolving landscape.

Kapur pondered whether the exclusivity and high costs associated with established stars might push filmmakers towards exploring AI alternatives. He also highlighted the increasing prevalence of AI-generated influencers on social media, further blurring the lines between reality and artificiality.

However, Kapur made it clear that AI, despite its advancements, cannot yet capture the nuanced expressions and emotional depth that actors like Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah are known for. Referencing his upcoming sequel to the film "Masoom," Kapur stated that AI cannot replicate the intricate performances that Azmi and Shah delivered.

Kapur also pointed out that AI integration may initially target action-heavy and large-scale productions where the focus is more on costumes and visual spectacle than on the actors' emotional range. He observed that expressions in such films are often limited to fear, aggression, or anger, making them easier to replicate with AI.

This isn't the first time Kapur has spoken about the impact of AI on the film industry. Earlier this year, at the WAVES 2025 summit in Mumbai, he stated that AI could potentially make traditional superstars like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan "unnecessary" for his films. He envisioned a future where filmmakers could create their own AI-generated stars and characters, owning their copyright and potentially revolutionizing filmmaking.

At the summit, Kapur emphasized AI's potential to empower creators and offer creative freedom, particularly for those without access to top talent or large budgets. He also cautioned against over-reliance on technology, stressing the importance of human emotions and unpredictability, which he believes are unique to humans. "What separates humans from AI is our ability to feel emotions and deal with uncertainty," he said.

While Kapur acknowledges the potential of AI in filmmaking, he remains firm in his belief that it cannot replace the unique talent and emotional depth that actors like Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah bring to the screen. He emphasized that AI can describe pain, but it cannot feel pain, which is essential for true creativity.