Zara Patel, Whose Video Was Used To Create Rashmika Mandanna Deepfake, Expresses Deep Disgust

A deepfake video featuring Rashmika Mandanna recently began circulating on various social media platforms. In the wake of its viral spread, the actress shared her profound feelings of distress and fear. Netizens, in response, called for legal action against the video's creator.

The real person featured in the video, Zara Patel, has also responded with deep concerns about the implications for women. She took to Instagram and penned the following message: "Hello, everyone. It has come to my attention that someone has created a deepfake video by merging my body with the face of a popular Bollywood actress. I want to make it clear that I had no involvement in the creation of this deepfake video. I am deeply disturbed and upset by the situation at hand. My foremost worry is for the future of women and girls, who now have to contend with heightened concerns about their presence on social media. I implore you to exercise caution and fact-check what you encounter online. Not everything on the internet is genuine, and I am profoundly troubled by the current circumstances."

Additionally, Rashmika Mandanna has also shared her reaction after her deepfake video gained notoriety on social media. She expressed deep emotional distress, writing on her social media platform: "I am deeply pained to share this and address the issue of a deepfake video featuring me that is circulating online. The existence of such content is genuinely terrifying, and it is a source of great distress, not only for me but for all of us who face increasing vulnerability due to the misuse of technology."

She added, "Today, as a woman and as an actor, I am grateful for my family, friends, and well-wishers who provide me with protection and support. However, if this had happened to me during my school or college years, I can hardly fathom how I would have coped. This is a matter that we, as a community, need to address urgently, before more individuals fall victim to such identity theft."

For the unversed, Zara Patel, is a British-Indian Instagram influencer known for her explicit content, as reported by multiple sources, maintains a substantial following of over 400,000 on Instagram. In her bio, she identifies herself as a full-time Data Engineer. Alongside her professional pursuits, Zara actively engages in the creation of adult content for her dedicated followers, even offering a discreet link on her Instagram profile. She is a frequent and active user of various social media platforms, regularly sharing revealing images and videos.