In the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology, misinformation has become a significant concern. Recently, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, his wife Gauri Khan, and their son Aryan Khan were targeted in an AI-generated image that went viral on social media. The photo, which appeared to show the family at the grand mosque in Mecca, sparked widespread discussion before being debunked as fake.
The Viral Image
The image surfaced online around the New Year, accompanied by claims that the Khan family had visited Mecca on the first day of the year. The family was allegedly pictured against the backdrop of the holy city’s iconic mosque. Social media platforms were soon flooded with posts sharing and discussing the photos, and several outlets picked up the story.
However, further scrutiny revealed the image was artificially generated. Some Instagram handles that initially shared the photo even clarified that it was created using AI, debunking the claim.
The Growing Concern of Deepfakes
The incident highlights the dangers of deepfake technology, which has become a global issue. In India, celebrities such as Rashmika Mandanna, Katrina Kaif, and Aamir Khan have previously been victims of fake images and videos created using AI. The misuse of this technology has raised alarms about its potential to spread misinformation and cause harm to public figures.
Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan’s Bond
While the viral image is fake, it brought attention back to the enduring relationship between Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan. The couple, who married on October 25, 1991, have often spoken about the mutual respect and understanding that underpins their marriage.
During an appearance on Koffee With Karan in 2005, Gauri Khan shared, “There is a balance. I respect Shah Rukh’s religion, but that doesn’t mean I would convert and become a Muslim. Everyone is an individual and follows their religion. Of course, there should be mutual respect—Shah Rukh would never disrespect my religion, and I wouldn’t disrespect his.”
Similarly, Shah Rukh Khan, in a recent #AskSRK session on X (formerly Twitter), described the secret to their happy marriage: “Gauri has the most simple heart and mind. She has just kept us all believing in the goodness of family and love.”
Conclusion
The viral image of Shah Rukh Khan and his family in Mecca serves as a stark reminder of the impact of AI-generated content. While it turned out to be a baseless claim, the incident underscores the need for vigilance in verifying digital content and the growing challenges posed by deepfake technology.
Sources By Agencies
