The veteran writer slams a viral AI-generated video showing him in a “topi” and claiming he has “turned to God.”
January 2, 2026: Renowned lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has issued a stern warning against the creators of a viral deepfake video misrepresenting his personal beliefs. On Thursday, January 1, 2026, the writer took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify that the video, which uses a computer-generated image of him wearing a topi (skullcap), is entirely fabricated.
The video surfaced shortly after a high-profile public debate between Akhtar and Islamic scholar Mufti Shamail Nadwi titled “Does God Exist?” held in New Delhi last month.
The Official Denial
In a hard-hitting post, Akhtar dismissed the claims that he had abandoned his well-known atheistic and secular views:
“A fake video is in circulation showing my fake computer-generated picture with a topi on my head claiming that ultimately I have turned to God. It is rubbish.”
Legal & Cyber Police Action
Akhtar expressed his intention to involve the authorities to curb the spread of the misinformation:
- Cyber Police: He stated he is “seriously considering” reporting the matter to the cyber cell to trace the origin of the AI-generated clip.
- Legal Consequences: The writer warned that he would not only target the creators but also those who forward the video, stating he plans to drag them to court for “damaging my reputation and credibility.”
Context: The “Does God Exist?” Debate
The deepfake appears to be a targeted response to Akhtar’s participation in a December 2025 debate at the Constitution Club of India.
- The Debate: Moderated by journalist Saurabh Dwivedi, the exchange saw Akhtar challenging theistic arguments through the lens of logic and reason, while Mufti Nadwi defended theological premises.
- The Fallout: While the debate was praised for its intellectual depth, it also triggered a wave of polarization online, with some groups reportedly using AI to create a narrative of “repentance” or “conversion” that Akhtar has now officially debunked.
Netizens React
The post sparked a flurry of reactions, ranging from support for legal action to lighthearted irony:
- Supporters: Many users praised Akhtar for standing up against “deepfake poison” and emphasized that misinformation is a “real evil.”
- The Irony: One user quipped, “The person who made the video needs God much more than you do right now—specifically to help them find a way to pay their upcoming legal fees!”