Girija Oak reacts to viral morphed pictures online

Marathi actor Girija Oak Godbole, recently going viral for her striking blue saree look, has addressed the issue of AI-morphed images and videos being circulated online. The actor took to Instagram to share heartfelt messages in Hindi, English, and Marathi, acknowledging the attention she has received while highlighting the darker side of viral fame.

While Girija appreciates the recognition for her work, she expressed concern about the potential impact such content could have on her 12-year-old son in the future. “I have a 12-year-old son. He doesn’t use social media yet, but eventually he will. Once he grows up, he’s going to come across these images. They may be circulating now, but they will remain on the internet forever,” she said.

Girija opened up about the sudden surge of attention and the mixed reactions that come with it. “Many of my friends, relatives, and acquaintances have been sending me posts and memes. Some of them are ridiculously funny and very creative, but some are AI-morphed images of me that are not in good taste. They sexualize and objectify me, and it makes me uncomfortable,” she explained.

Acknowledging the realities of the digital age, Girija added, “I use social media myself, so I understand how it works. When something goes viral or starts trending, these kinds of images usually get made and circulated. As long as people are clicking, liking, and engaging, the cycle continues. But what bothers me is that this game has no rules — nothing seems to be off limits.”

The actor concluded her message with a direct appeal to those creating and consuming such content. “If you are someone who uses AI to morph images of women, men, or anyone into something inappropriate, please think twice. If you don’t create this content but enjoy consuming it, you are also part of the problem. I can only ask you to reconsider,” Girija urged.

Despite the challenges, Girija said she is still enjoying the attention and hopes it brings more audiences to her projects. “Apart from that, I am also having fun with the sudden attention, and if it leads more people to watch my films, series, or plays, what more could I ask for? I hope you continue to support my work, and I’ll strive to keep giving you good performances. See you in the theaters. Thank you,” she added.

Girija Oak Godbole will soon be seen in the web series Therapy Sherapy, co-starring Gulshan Devaiah. The series explores complex human emotions and relationships, though the official release date has yet to be announced.