Kumar Sanu, one of India’s most beloved playback singers, has found himself at the center of controversy due to a deepfake video circulating on social media. The video falsely claims that Sanu sang in support of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, urging for his freedom. The singer has vehemently denied these allegations and called for swift action against those responsible for creating and sharing the misleading content.
The Deepfake Video Controversy
A video recently surfaced online, particularly on platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), showing Kumar Sanu allegedly participating in an event and singing songs in favor of Imran Khan’s freedom. The clip included altered audio where Sanu supposedly sang lines like, “Imran Khan ko azad karayenge, Wazir Azam banayenge. Zulm ke khilaaf aawaz udaayenge, naya Pakistan hum banayenge,” which translates to “We will free Imran Khan, make him Prime Minister. We will raise our voice against oppression and create a new Pakistan.”
However, upon closer inspection, it became clear that the video was manipulated using AI technology. The voice in the video did not match Sanu’s, and the event shown was entirely misrepresented. The singer has since issued a strong statement refuting the claims.
Kumar Sanu’s Response
Taking to Instagram, Kumar Sanu shared his outrage over the false video. He posted a screenshot of a report debunking the rumors and clarified his stance. “I want to clarify that I have never sung a song for the former Prime Minister of Pakistan. The audio being circulated on Facebook is not my voice – it has been created using AI. Some people are trying to defame me, and hence I want to tell my fans that this news is fake, a lie,” Sanu wrote.
He emphasized the need to curb the misuse of technology, specifically AI and deepfake tools, which can easily create and spread misinformation. Sanu’s appeal wasn’t just a personal defense but a broader call to action for the Indian government to address the dangers posed by deepfake technology.
The Dangers of Deepfake Technology
Deepfake technology uses artificial intelligence to create realistic but fake videos and audio. While it can be used for harmless entertainment, it also has the potential to spread false information and damage reputations. Kumar Sanu’s case is a stark reminder of how easily deepfake technology can be misused, especially against public figures.
Sanu urged his fans and followers to be cautious about the content they encounter online. He asked them not to believe everything they see or hear without verifying its authenticity. “This is a serious misuse of technology,” he said. “I urge the Indian government to take immediate action to stop the misuse of AI and deepfake videos. Let’s stop the spread of misinformation.”
Government and Public Action Needed
Kumar Sanu’s appeal to the government highlights a growing concern about the unchecked spread of deepfake videos. While social media platforms are making efforts to detect and remove such content, the technology is advancing rapidly, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and fake.
The Indian government, as well as governments worldwide, may need to implement stricter regulations and develop advanced tools to combat this emerging threat. Public awareness is also crucial. People must be educated on how to recognize deepfakes and verify information before sharing it.
A Call for Vigilance
Kumar Sanu’s experience with the deepfake video serves as a warning about the dangers of AI technology when used maliciously. While technology has the potential to improve lives, its misuse can lead to serious consequences. As Sanu rightly pointed out, it’s essential to remain vigilant and critical of the content we consume and share.
This incident underscores the need for collective action—from individuals, social media platforms, and governments—to combat the spread of misinformation and protect the truth.
