In a fascinating blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has turned its creative lens towards Bollywood's golden era. A recent viral trend has seen iconic stars from Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra to Shammi Kapoor and Dilip Kumar digitally reimagined as members of Generation Z, sparking a wave of reactions from fans across the internet.
From Vintage Charm to Modern Swag: The AI Transformation
The creative experiment was showcased by a social media account named Ai TOT (@aitot2.0) on Instagram. The AI-generated reel presented modern-day, Gen Z versions of over thirty legendary actors. The list is a veritable who's who of Indian cinema, including Rajesh Khanna, Rishi Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Jitendra, Vinod Khanna, Shashi Kapoor, Naseeruddin Shah, and Mithun Chakraborty, among others.
This project re-envisions these stars not just with contemporary hairstyles and fashion but with a youthful essence fitting for today's times. The images pose an intriguing "what if" scenario, allowing a new generation to visualize these timeless icons in the current digital age.
Fan Reactions: Praise, Critique, and Nostalgia
The AI renditions have ignited passionate discussions online. While many fans appreciated the novel concept, others were quick to compare the digital versions to the original charm of the stars.
One fan commented on Dharmendra's avatar, stating in Hindi, "Shri Dharmendra Sahab Ji was more handsome compared to this AI pic." Another user pointed out the accuracy for some, noting, "Raj Babbar and Feroz Khan looked almost the same as reality!" A third reaction highlighted the enduring appeal of the classics: "Rishi Kapoor, Vinod Khanna & Dharmendra were the most handsome guys of their times."
Some responses took a philosophical turn, with one user remarking, "God has stopped creating such handsome men now," while another celebrated Feroz Khan's AI version as a true reflection, calling him "the Rockstar of his time."
The Double-Edged Sword of AI in Entertainment
This playful use of AI underscores its growing influence in creative fields. However, the trend arrives amidst serious concerns about the technology's potential for misuse, particularly through deepfakes.
As a direct consequence, a growing number of Bollywood celebrities have begun legally safeguarding their identities. Stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, and Hrithik Roshan have taken steps to protect their personality rights. This legal move prohibits the unauthorized use of their likeness, voice, or name, making it a punishable offence.
This duality defines the current AI moment in Bollywood: it is a tool for fun, fan-driven creativity and nostalgic exploration, but also a source of genuine risk that the industry is learning to navigate. The viral Gen Z transformations serve as a lighthearted example of AI's possibilities, even as the sector grapples with its ethical challenges.
