Ayesha Khan, who has recently gained widespread acclaim for her song “Shararat” from Aditya Dhar’s “Dhurandhar,” has opened up about the darker aspects of fame. In a candid conversation, she addressed the challenges of online judgment, the unsettling rise of AI-generated content, and the pressing issue of consent in paparazzi culture.
The Burden of Public Scrutiny
Discussing the pitfalls of being in the public eye, Ayesha told Pinkvilla, “The downside of course is that you’re like an open book. Everybody has an opinion about you and they start writing in it.” She confessed that the relentless scrutiny can sometimes be overwhelming. “Sometimes it feels like, I wish we had an option to just switch this off,” she added, highlighting the emotional toll public commentary can take.
While Ayesha acknowledged that resilience can be developed over time, she emphasized that not everyone is equipped to handle such pressure. Her recent experiences on “Bigg Boss 17” have brought this issue into sharper focus, as she confronted trolls over threatening messages.
The Threat of AI-Generated Content
Ayesha expressed deep concern over the misuse of artificial intelligence, describing it as both disturbing and alarming. “The AI thing that has started is very scary. You have made a whole app to sexualize women on the internet… I can’t humanly process this information that this is happening,” she remarked. She pointed out that such content has dangerously become normalized.
Recalling a personal incident, Ayesha shared how her mother once stumbled upon an AI-generated video of her. “There was a picture of me and Vijay sir… it was turned into an AI video where we are hugging each other. I had to tell her that this has never happened before,” she said, illustrating how convincing such content can be for those unfamiliar with AI technology. She noted that she has seen numerous morphed images of herself online. “They’ve just made it from a picture and it actually looks so realistic… it’s sad how most people would not know that it’s AI,” she added.
Consent and Paparazzi Culture
Addressing the issue of paparazzi videos and viral clips, Ayesha stressed the importance of consent. “People don’t understand consent. You can’t do these things without asking,” she asserted, reacting to comments that often blame celebrities for their clothing choices. Drawing a stark comparison, she remarked, “I also bathe, but you can’t bathe me. It’s my choice… Who gave you the choice?” reiterating that consent cannot be assumed.
Ayesha also criticized the culture of capturing and circulating uncomfortable moments. “They know it’s wrong… you’re capturing someone’s oops moment and even posting that publicly,” she said, questioning the ethics behind such content. However, she acknowledged that not all paparazzi operate the same way. “There are good people. There are good paps,” she noted, adding that many photographers respect boundaries when she communicates discomfort. “If I say, please don’t post it, they won’t post it,” she observed.
Navigating Fame’s Dual Nature
Concluding on a balanced note, Ayesha chose to focus on the positives. “Like everything else, there’s always a good side and a bad side… we take care of the good ones,” she said. Her remarks underscore the complex landscape of fame, where public exposure can lead to both admiration and unwarranted intrusion.
The conversation around AI and consent in media is gaining traction, with experts urging for more stringent regulations to protect individuals’ rights. As Ayesha Khan’s insights highlight, the intersection of technology and celebrity culture presents new challenges that require thoughtful navigation and ethical consideration.
