New Delhi, September 21, 2023 – In a landmark move aimed at preserving his identity and reputation in the digital age, veteran Bollywood actor and producer Anil Kapoor has successfully obtained a permanent injunction from the Delhi High Court to protect his personality rights. Kapoor’s legal suit sought to prevent the unauthorized use of his name, voice, signature, image, or any other attribute exclusively associated with him for commercial or personal gain without his explicit consent.
In a statement, Kapoor expressed his intentions behind the legal action, stating, “My personality is my life’s work, and I’ve worked hard to build it. With this lawsuit, I’m seeking protection of my personality rights to prevent its misuse in any way, particularly in the current scenario with rapid changes in technology and tools like artificial intelligence that are easily misused to the detriment of the owners of such rights.”
The Delhi High Court, following a thorough hearing, issued an order acknowledging Kapoor’s personality rights and restraining all potential offenders from misusing his attributes. The ruling explicitly prohibits the use of Anil Kapoor’s name, likeness, voice, or any other aspect of his identity for the creation of products, ringtones, or any other commercial purposes.
Notably, the court also extended its protection to the realm of digital media, forbidding the use of artificial intelligence, deep fakes, GIFs, and similar technologies to manipulate or exploit Kapoor’s persona for monetary gain. This landmark decision recognizes the evolving challenges posed by technology in safeguarding the rights of public figures.
While Kapoor emphasized that his intention is not to impede freedom of expression, he underscored the importance of protecting his hard-earned identity.
In addition to his legal victory, Anil Kapoor continues to make strides in the entertainment industry. His production company, AKFCN (Anil Kapoor Film & Communication Network Pvt. Ltd.), recently premiered the film ‘Thank You For Coming’ at the Toronto International Film Festival, receiving a standing ovation. The film is set for release on October 6, 2023, and has garnered significant anticipation from fans eager to witness the next chapter in Kapoor’s illustrious career.
Anil Kapoor’s legal triumph sends a resounding message about the importance of preserving personality rights in an era where technology can blur the lines between reality and manipulation, reinforcing the idea that one’s identity is their most valuable asset.