In today’s hyper-digital world, beauty isn’t just in the eye of the beholder—it’s now in the hands of algorithms. And more often than not, those algorithms are being used not to appreciate but to criticize, mock and shame. The latest victim of this toxic trend is actress Radhikka Madan, who recently found herself at the center of a storm.
A heavily manipulated video of the actress went viral on Instagram, in which her eyebrows, nose, and lips were edited with AI, making it seem like she had undergone cosmetic procedures.
The 'Shiddat' actress took to the comments and clapped back with humor and grace, writing: “Bas itne hi eyebrows uper kare hai AI use karke? Aur karlo yaar..ye toh fir bhi natural lag raha hai.” (You've only raised my eyebrows this much using AI? Do more... this still looks natural.) Her response not only debunked the fake narrative but also highlighted a deeper, uglier truth.
Female celebrities in particular, walk a tightrope. If they wear makeup, they’re 'fake.' If they go bare-faced, they’re 'unattractive.' If they undergo cosmetic procedures, they’re criticized for being 'plastic.' If they don’t, they’re told they’re ‘too plain'. It’s a relentless loop of judgment where perfection is demanded, but any attempt to attain it is ridiculed.
Now, with AI and deepfake technology becoming more accessible, this judgment has reached dystopian levels. Users are spending hours and money creating digitally-altered versions of celebrities, stretching their features, plumping their lips, lifting their brows, just to fabricate a narrative of cosmetic enhancement. The irony? These edits are then used to shame the same people for surgeries they never even had.
The problem is no longer just gossip; it’s a dangerous fusion of technology and toxicity. AI has become a weapon in the hands of trolls, used to blur the line between reality and fiction. The goal? To degrade, discredit, and dehumanize.
In India, stars like Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, and Rashmika Mandanna, Mouni Roy have all faced the brunt of AI-generated videos that manipulated their voices or appearances. These instances weren’t harmless fun—they led to massive public confusion, emotional distress and even legal battles. The need for strong legislation and ethical AI regulation is more urgent than ever.
Beyond the fame and glamour, celebrities are human beings. The emotional toll of being constantly scrutinized—especially for things they haven’t even done—is immense. Imagine waking up to a million people believing you’ve changed your face, when all you did was sleep with a messy bun.
And while fans might dismiss these deepfakes as “just memes” or “harmless fun,” they feed a culture that punishes women for existing outside an impossible standard. The real question we need to ask is: why is there so much outrage over a woman’s face in the first place?
We need to stop obsessing over what a woman’s face should look like and start focusing on what she actually brings to the table—talent, art, intelligence. Technology should uplift creativity, not distort identities.
As Radhikka Madan showed us with her response, humour can be a powerful tool. But it shouldn’t have to be her weapon. The responsibility also lies with consumers, platforms, and lawmakers to ensure that beauty doesn't become a battleground, especially when it's all based on lies.
