Scary when films sway people; won’t make films like Chhaava or The Kashmir Files: John Abraham
New Delhi: Actor John Abraham, who is preparing for the release of his upcoming film Tehran, based on the 2012 attacks on Israeli diplomats, has said he has no interest in making nationalist films, even though such projects often dominate the box office.
Speaking to India Today, the actor reflected on the success of titles like Chhaava and The Kashmir Files, which have stirred both audiences and controversy, and explained why he prefers to steer clear of that trend. He expressed concern over the growing audience for right-wing films, noting that such trends force filmmakers to choose between pursuing commercial success and remaining true to their creative vision. Abraham has opted for the latter, prioritising authenticity over box-office appeal.
When asked if the success of films like Chhaava and The Kashmir Files had ever prompted him to explore similar themes, Abraham said such projects, often made to influence audiences in a hyper-political climate, were a cause for concern. “I have never been tempted, and I will never make those kind of films,” he asserted.
John also addressed the issue of censorship, acknowledging its importance but criticising its current management as less than ideal. He noted that he has maintained a responsible approach in his filmmaking and does not align with any political ideology. “We need censorship, but the way it has been overseen… it’s a bit question mark. They have been good with us, but I have also been responsible with the way I have made my films. I am not right or left wing. I am apolitical,” he remarked.
Earlier this year, he remarked that Hindi cinema is no longer as secular as it once was. Comparing it with Hollywood, he said it was vital for India to preserve its secular fabric, adding that the industry is “walking a very tight rope” in the current climate.
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Bill to regulate deepfakes tabled in Lok Sabha
New Delhi (PTI): A Private Member's Bill seeking a clear legal framework for regulation of deepfakes has been introduced in the Lok Sabha.
The Regulation of Deepfake Bill, introduced by Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde in the House on Friday, aims to protect citizens by mandating prior consent from individuals depicted in deepfake content.
"Misuse of deepfakes for harassment, deception and misinformation has escalated, creating an urgent need for regulatory safeguards," Shinde said.
The Bill also lists penalties for offenders creating or disseminating deepfake content with malicious intent.
"With advancements in artificial intelligence and deep learning, deepfake technology has emerged as a significant tool for media manipulation. While the technology has potential applications in education, entertainment and creative fields, it also poses severe risks when misused, threatening individual privacy, national security and public trust," Shinde said in the statement of objects and reasons in the Bill.
The proposed Bill seeks to establish a clear legal framework to govern the creation, distribution and application of deepfakes in India, said Shinde, a three-term Lok Sabha member from Kalyan.
The Bill also seeks to establish the Deepfake Task Force, a dedicated body to combat national security implications and evaluate the influence of deepfakes on privacy, civic participation, and potential election interference.
The task force will collaborate with academic and private sector institutions to develop technologies that detect manipulated content, thereby promoting credibility in digital media.
The Bill also proposes to establish a fund to support public and private sector initiatives in the detection and deterrence of advanced image manipulation.
A Private Member's Bill is a procedure of Parliament that enables lawmakers, who are not ministers, to draw attention to issues that might not be represented in Government Bills or to highlight the issues and gaps in the existing legal framework that require legislative intervention.
