Kannada actress Rukmini Vasanth has reacted strongly after AI-generated images falsely claiming to show her started circulating widely on social media. The actress, who became popular across South India after films like Kantara: Chapter 1 and Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side A, issued a public clarification and warned that legal and cybercrime action is being initiated against those involved.The controversy began earlier this week when edited images of a woman resembling Rukmini in a green bikini near a swimming pool spread online. Many social media users believed the pictures were real and claimed the actress had done a bikini photoshoot. Soon after the images gained traction, Rukmini and her team stepped in to deny the claims.Rukmini Vasanth says the images are fakeSharing a statement on X and Instagram, the actress made it clear that the visuals being shared online were not genuine. She wrote, “My team and I have come across certain AI-generated images being circulated online claiming to be me. I want to state clearly that these images are entirely fake and fabricated.”She further added, “The creation and circulation of such manipulated content is deeply irresponsible and a serious violation of privacy.”Rukmini also confirmed that the matter is being treated seriously by her team. In the same statement, she said, “We are taking this matter seriously and initiating the necessary legal and cybercrime action against those involved in creating and spreading these images. Requesting everyone to refrain from sharing or engaging with such content.”Her response quickly gained support online, with several fans asking people to stop spreading the edited pictures. The incident has once again sparked conversations around the misuse of artificial intelligence and deepfake content targeting film personalities and women on social media.Deepfake and AI misuse becoming a growing issueOver the last few years, several actors from the Indian film industry have faced similar situations where AI-generated or digitally manipulated visuals were circulated online without consent. Celebrities including Rashmika Mandanna, Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan have also previously raised concerns about fake edited content online.Rukmini’s statement added to the larger debate around privacy violations and the need for stronger cyber laws against deepfake creators. Many fans also pointed out how quickly fake visuals spread online before the truth becomes clear.Who is Rukmini Vasanth?Rukmini Vasanth has been working in the South Indian film industry for the last few years and slowly built a strong fan following through Kannada and Telugu cinema. She made her acting debut with Birbal Trilogy Case 1: Finding Vajramuni and later gained attention through the romantic drama films Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side A and Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side B.The actress also received the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress – Kannada. Apart from Kannada cinema, she became familiar to Telugu audiences through Saptha Sagaralu Dati and Appudo Ippudo Eppudo.Currently, Rukmini has several major projects lined up. She is part of Toxic: Fairytale for Grown-Ups starring Yash. The film also features Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi and Tara Sutaria.She is also part of Dragon starring Jr NTR and directed by Prashanth Neel. The film’s first look was recently unveiled on Jr NTR’s birthday and has already created strong buzz among fans.