Imagine a Bollywood star who never falls ill, never refuses to shoot and never asks for a pay hike. According to filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, that future may be closer than we think.
As discussions around Artificial Intelligence grow stronger across industries, Shekhar Kapur believes cinema could soon see AI-created actors stepping into the spotlight, possibly even replacing human stars. In a recent interview, he shared his thoughts on how technology might completely transform filmmaking.
Shekhar Kapur explained that if AI becomes a “creative star”, producers would no longer face common challenges like actors falling sick, skipping shoots or demanding higher fees. Since studios would essentially “own” these AI stars, managing budgets and schedules would become far easier. For filmmakers struggling with rising production costs and unpredictable schedules, the idea sounds both exciting and unsettling.
He did not describe AI as just another trendy tool. Instead, he called it the beginning of a new India, suggesting that its impact could be revolutionary.
What truly opened his eyes to AI’s power was a surprising incident at home. Shekhar Kapur recalled that his cook once handed him a script for Mr. India 2, a sequel to his 1987 cult classic Mr. India which starred Sridevi, Anil Kapoor and Amrish Puri. When Shekhar Kapur asked how he managed to write it so well, the answer surprised him, it was generated using ChatGPT.
For Shekhar Kapur, that moment symbolised something bigger – access. He believes creativity is no longer limited to insiders in the film industry. With AI tools, even someone with minimal resources could attempt projects once reserved for massive studios. He suggested that while big-budget films worth Rs 300 crore rely on financial certainty, AI could allow a child to create something similar for as little as Rs 2,000.
Shekhar Kapur also made a bold claim about social media, stating that nearly half of female influencers worldwide are AI-created and not real people. According to him, AI finds it easier to generate women because makeup helps achieve accurate skin tones, unlike men who typically do not wear makeup.
Whether exciting or alarming, Shekhar Kapur’s vision hints at a dramatic shift for Bollywood’s future. Do you agree with him?
