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Salman Khan speaks out against AI-generated deepfake videos

Salman Khan

MUMBAI, India: Bollywood star Salman Khan has spoken out against the growing use of AI-generated fake videos and cloned voices, calling for strict action against those who deliberately create and circulate such content.

Speaking about social media trolling and emerging online threats while hosting the reality show Bigg Boss, Khan said he had also been targeted by AI-generated fake videos.

Khan said advances in technology have made it possible to clone a person’s voice and manipulate videos in ways that can make it difficult to distinguish genuine material from fabricated content.

He said his own videos had been altered using AI and voice dubbing to make it appear that he had said or done things that he had not.

The actor said the situation was particularly concerning because viewers could watch a manipulated video and believe that the person featured in it had actually made the statements or carried out the actions shown.

Khan said there was a distinction between someone unknowingly sharing fake content and people who deliberately create such material despite knowing it is false.

He called for strict action against those who intentionally produce such videos and said such people should be sent to prison. He also called for stronger laws and effective measures to address the misuse of social media.

Khan said the problem extends beyond celebrities, noting that public figures generally have greater access to cybercrime authorities and resources to pursue those responsible for fake content.

Ordinary people and their families, he said, often lack the same access and resources, leaving them more vulnerable to the potentially damaging effects of fabricated videos and online propaganda.

Amitabh Bachchan praises Shah Rukh Khan’s resilience

Amitabh Bachchan

MUMBAI: Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan has praised Shah Rukh Khan for his ability to face difficult situations and keep moving forward.

The comments came during a recent episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18, while Bachchan was speaking with actor Rajkummar Rao.

Rao recalled his early years in Mumbai and spoke about how Shah Rukh Khan’s journey from Delhi’s middle class to Bollywood inspired him. He said he had admired Shah Rukh Khan’s career, having seen him make his way into the film industry through theater and television.

Rao also recalled that he used to stand outside Shah Rukh Khan’s Mumbai residence, Mannat, as a fan.

Responding to Rao’s remarks, Bachchan spoke about his experience of working with Shah Rukh Khan and highlighted his resilience.

According to Bachchan, Shah Rukh is among those who do not easily accept defeat when faced with difficult circumstances.

Bachchan also praised Shah Rukh’s ability to encourage people around him and help restore their confidence during challenging times.

He said Shah Rukh tends to speak to people facing problems and encourages them, turning the conversation on the show from Rao’s early memories into a discussion about Shah Rukh’s perseverance and influence on fellow actors.

Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan dies at 56

Bollywood actor

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan has died at the age of 56 after battling liver cancer, Indian media reported Thursday.

Khan had been undergoing treatment for liver cancer and was hospitalized at a Mumbai hospital about two weeks ago after his condition deteriorated.

Several Bollywood personalities expressed grief over his death.

Khan was known for his supporting and comic roles in films including “Welcome,” “Aashiqui,” “Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke,” “Mujhse Shaadi Karogi,” “Hera Pheri” and “Jodi No. 1.”

He began his acting career in 1980 with the film “Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai?” and went on to appear in numerous Hindi films, primarily in supporting and comedic roles.

According to his son, Khan’s health had worsened significantly in recent days. He had been in good health before his hospitalization and was working on the debut film of the son of Salman Khan’s bodyguard, Shera.

Tom Cruise’s ‘Digger’ premieres in London with Prince William, Kate in attendance

Tom Cruise

LONDON: Tom Cruise’s new film “Digger” held its London premiere on Thursday, drawing members of the British royal family and several high-profile guests.

Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, attended the premiere at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in central London, where they met members of the film’s cast and production team.

Catherine wore a purple gown and a necklace that British media reports linked to a famous amethyst necklace associated with the Queen Mother.

Cruise spoke with Catherine on the black carpet during the event. Director Alejandro González Iñárritu and other prominent figures from the film industry also attended.

Former England soccer captain David Beckham attended the premiere with his sons.

In “Digger,” Cruise plays a character he created himself. The film is directed by Iñárritu, while Cruise has said the character is not based on a real person.

“Digger” is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States, Britain and other markets on Oct. 2.

Vivek Oberoi speaks out against criticism of Katrina’s post-pregnancy weight

Vivek Oberoi

MUMBAI, India: Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi has spoken out against social media criticism of actress Katrina Kaif over changes in her weight following childbirth.

In an interview, Oberoi urged people to avoid negative comments about Kaif, saying there were many more positive things to focus on rather than criticizing others.

Oberoi said gaining weight after becoming a mother was a natural process and added that Kaif could regain her fitness when she returned to films.

Earlier, actor Salman Khan also criticized people who mock celebrities over their appearance, body shape and personal lives on social media during a recent episode of his reality show Bigg Boss 20.

Pakistani singer Ali Zafar has also expressed support for Kaif, sharing a video clip in her defense.

Zara Noor Abbas reveals her first move as a police officer

Zara Noor Abbas

KARACHI: Pakistani actress Zara Noor Abbas said she would seek severe punishment for those convicted of sexual abuse against women and children if she were given the opportunity to serve as a police officer for a day.

Speaking to digital podcast during the promotion of her upcoming film “Shehroze,” Abbas said she would take action against offenders, adding that she would not consider what the law says in such a situation.

Abbas is returning to the big screen after seven years and plays the lead role in the film’s segment “Gear Up,” directed by Saqib Khan.

Describing her character, also named Saira, Abbas said she plays an officer in a bomb disposal squad whose abilities are initially overlooked because she is a woman.

She said her character discovers that a bomb has been planted and must not only defuse it but also prove that she is capable of handling the task.

Asked what she would do if she became a police officer for one day, Abbas said she would pursue cases involving violence against women and children and seek the harshest punishment for those responsible.

In a lighter part of the interview, Abbas was asked which celebrity she would arrest if she became a police officer. She jokingly named her husband, actor Asad Siddiqui.

Asked whom she would place in an interrogation room, Abbas named actor Fahad Mustafa.

“Shehroze,” an anthology film produced by Tamasha Films, is scheduled to be released in cinemas across Pakistan on Oct. 2.

The film features three stories centered on different women. Ushna Shah and Kinza Hashmi play the lead roles in the segments “Punch” and “Artist,” respectively.

Salman Khan defends Katrina Kaif without naming her

Salman Khan

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Salman Khan has come to the defense of actress Katrina Kaif without naming her, criticizing social media users for making inappropriate comments about a celebrity’s weight and appearance after becoming a mother.

During a recent episode of his reality show Bigg Boss 20, Khan criticized people who mock celebrities over their bodies, appearance and personal lives to generate social media engagement and income.

Khan said some people make money by targeting the personal lives and appearances of celebrities, adding that attempting to make money by humiliating others reflects the mindset and upbringing of those involved.

He said celebrities often face criticism over their body shape, weight, appearance, family, professional setbacks and personal milestones, including motherhood.

Khan said gaining weight after becoming a mother is a natural process and that an actress can get back in shape when she returns to films.

He questioned why people who are themselves dissatisfied with their appearance feel entitled to criticize the weight and looks of others.

Khan also said the actress should be allowed to spend time with her family.

During the discussion, Khan referred to the trolling he has faced on social media and said he also receives criticism as he gets older.

“I am 60 now, so I can’t always look like the hero from Maine Pyaar Kiya,” he said, referring to his 1989 film.

Katrina Kaif recently attended events hosted by Mukesh and Nita Ambani with her husband, actor Vicky Kaushal. Photos and videos from the events went viral on social media, with some users commenting on Kaif’s weight and appearance.

Khan did not name Kaif during his comments, but his remarks came amid the online criticism directed at the actress.

Jennifer Winget celebrates traditional wedding in Goa with William Ashmeil

Jennifer Winget

MUMBAI: New photos and videos from Indian television actor Jennifer Winget’s wedding celebrations are gaining attention on social media after she and Singapore-based businessman William Ashmeil held traditional wedding festivities in Goa.

Winget and Ashmeil had previously married in a Christian ceremony in West Wales, Britain, on July 16. The couple later held another set of wedding celebrations in Goa, incorporating Indian traditions and festivities.

Videos from the Goa celebrations have surfaced online, showing Winget enjoying the occasion with friends and family.

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In one video, Winget appears to teach her husband traditional Indian dance moves during a dance session. The couple later dance together.

Another video shows Winget meeting her close friend Genelia Deshmukh and warmly embracing her.

The wedding celebrations have prompted fans to send their good wishes to the couple on social media.

The Goa celebrations mark Winget’s second marriage. She was previously married to television actor Karan Singh Grover. The couple separated in November 2014, while their divorce was legally finalized in 2016.

Anil Kapoor credits daughters for major joy in his life

Anil Kapoor

MUMBAI: Veteran Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor has spoken about his family and career, describing his daughters Sonam and Rhea Kapoor as a major source of joy in his life.

Recalling the birth of his daughter Rhea, Kapoor said he arrived late at the hospital and regretted not being able to see her on time. He said the experience stayed with him throughout the night.

The 69-year-old actor, speaking on The Anil Kapoor Show, said his daughters were nothing short of a blessing and that his family was more important to him than his career.

According to Kapoor, Rhea’s birth made him realize the additional happiness that having a daughter could bring. With two daughters, Sonam and Rhea, he said that happiness had effectively doubled.

Kapoor began gaining prominence with the 1983 film Woh Saat Din and has built a career spanning more than four decades in the Indian film industry.

The actor remains active in show business and is currently hosting a quiz show.

Rajpal Yadav gets two-week deadline to deposit 20mn

Rajpal Yadav

NEW DELHI: India’s Supreme Court has granted actor and comedian Rajpal Yadav two more weeks to deposit 20 million Indian rupees in connection with a long-running financial dispute involving a bounced-check case.

According to Indian media reports, a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant gave Yadav a final two-week extension to deposit at least 20 million rupees with the Supreme Court registry.

The court said Yadav’s previous conduct was not sufficient to win its confidence. However, it granted the extension after his lawyer assured the bench that the actor would deposit the amount within the stipulated period and provide security for the remaining dues.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant questioned whether the court could rely on Yadav’s assurance, referring to his past conduct.

The court also extended Yadav’s pre-arrest bail until the next hearing, scheduled for Oct. 5, and directed him to surrender his passport.

Background

Yadav reportedly borrowed 50 million rupees from a private entity in 2010 to finance Ata Pata Laapata, his directorial debut.

The film failed at the box office, leaving Yadav unable to repay the loan. With interest and other dues, the amount reportedly increased to around 90 million rupees, leading to a prolonged legal dispute.