Mumbai: At the recent trailer launch for their upcoming film, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, actors Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor addressed the growing concerns surrounding the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry. While both actors spoke about the topic, a particular moment where Varun interrupted Janhvi with a joke has drawn criticism from viewers on social media.
Janhvi Kapoor was discussing her personal experience with AI, expressing concern about the fake and manipulated images of her that are circulated without her consent. “When I see on social media, there are so many AI images being circulated against my will. You and I can say it’s an AI image, but the common man will think, ‘Yeh toh yeh pehen ke pohonch gayi (She actually went out wearing this),’” she said, highlighting the serious issue of identity misuse and the potential for a damaged reputation.
At this very moment, Varun Dhawan interjected with a seemingly off-topic joke, asking the film’s director, Shashank Khaitan, if there was any AI in their movie. This interruption redirected the conversation and prevented Janhvi from completing her point.
A video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, where a user on X (formerly Twitter) shared the clip with the caption: “Janhvi’s raising awareness on an issue that’s so serious while Varun’s chasing clout and turning it into a PR circus. One’s informed and the other’s insufferable.” Many users agreed with this sentiment, pointing out Varun’s timing and perceived insensitivity.
Comments online included, “It’s so disrespectful if she is talking on a serious topic why he interrupted her,” and “Janhvi looks so pissed and rightfully so.” Another user questioned his behavior, asking, “Genuinely, what was even his point?? Was he not paying attention to what she was saying or what??” Many expressed frustration with Varun’s tendency to constantly make jokes, especially during serious discussions.
While both actors agreed on the need for stronger laws to protect actors’ identities from AI misuse, the incident highlights a tension between a serious conversation and what some saw as a thoughtless attempt at humor. The film, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, which also stars Sanya Malhotra and Rohit Saraf, is set to be released on October 2.