Legendary screenwriter, lyricist, and poet Javed Akhtar has strongly condemned the circulation of a sophisticated deepfake video that falsely portrays him as having undergone a religious transformation, complete with a computer-generated image showing him wearing a traditional topi. In a detailed statement posted on X on Thursday, Akhtar labeled the content as outright fabrication and expressed deep frustration over the deliberate attempt to misrepresent his longstanding views.

Akhtar explicitly refuted the video's misleading narrative, which claims he has ultimately turned to God and embraced faith. He described the assertions as "rubbish" and highlighted the potential harm to his public image, emphasizing that such manipulated media undermines his well-established reputation as a vocal advocate for secularism and rational thought. The veteran artist indicated serious consideration of escalating the matter to cyber authorities.

The emergence of this deepfake coincides with heightened online attention following Akhtar's participation in a high-profile public debate titled 'Does God Exist?' at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi. Engaging with Islamic scholar Mufti Shamail Nadwi, Akhtar presented robust arguments rooted in reason, evidence, and skepticism toward traditional theistic claims, consistent with his known atheistic perspective.

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Mufti Nadwi countered with defenses grounded in philosophical logic, classical Islamic scholarship, and theological premises, creating a balanced yet intense intellectual exchange that rapidly gained traction across social media. The debate elicited diverse responses, with supporters of each side commending the clarity and conviction displayed, while broader discussions on faith, science, and public reasoning were reignited in India's pluralistic society.

As a prominent figure in Indian cinema with a career spanning decades, Akhtar remains unwavering in his secular principles amid the controversy. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the escalating risks posed by deepfake technology in disseminating misinformation, particularly targeting influential personalities, and underscores the urgent need for stronger safeguards against such digital manipulations.

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