Shekhar Kapur Envisions AI Taking Over Film Stars: A New Chapter for Cinema?
Renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has sparked a lively discussion about the future of cinema, suggesting that Artificial Intelligence (AI) might one day replace traditional film stars. At the WAVES 2025 summit in Mumbai, the director known for hits like "Mr. India" and "Elizabeth" claimed that he could soon do without legendary actors like Amitabh Bachchan or Shah Rukh Khan, thanks to AI's potential to create virtual stars of his own.
Kapur imagines a world where filmmakers can design and own their AI-generated actors, giving them total control over how these characters are portrayed on screen. He believes that AI is advancing so quickly that it will soon be capable of crafting human-like stars that can genuinely resonate with audiences.
"Actors will just be actors because AI will be the one creating stars in the future. AI will produce more relatable, human-like stars. I can create a star using AI and hold the copyright," Kapur shared, as reported by the Free Press Journal. He went on to say, "Before long, there will be a flood of ideas for AI movies featuring characters I've designed, and that will be my intellectual property."
Drawing comparisons to the emergence of AI influencers, Kapur questioned the need for established stars. "I don't need Amitabh Bachchan. I can create my own character. I don't need Shah Rukh Khan; I can craft my own character, my own star. If I do it well, I’ll create a character that audiences will adore. Then, I’ll have my own star."
Kapur sees this technological evolution as a potential boon for independent filmmakers and newcomers who often struggle with limited budgets and the absence of big-name actors. AI could help level the playing field, enabling creators to realize their visions without the usual casting hurdles.
However, he also warned against becoming too dependent on AI, stressing the irreplaceable importance of human emotion and the ability to navigate uncertainty—qualities he believes are essential to storytelling and what truly connects with audiences.
