In a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries from healthcare to finance, the entertainment world — particularly Bollywood — finds itself navigating uncharted territory. One of the most controversial and emotionally charged developments is the rise of AI-generated voices being used to mimic the singing styles of deceased artists. The recent "releases" of songs allegedly sung by iconic Bollywood legends who passed away years ago have sparked a firestorm of ethical debate, industry concern, and audience confusion.

This article explores the evolving crisis, the underlying technology, the legal gray zones, and what the future may hold for music fans and artists alike.

The Technology Behind AI Voices

AI voice synthesis, powered by machine learning models like deep neural networks, allows engineers to train a system on a large dataset of voice recordings. Once trained, the AI can recreate speech or song in that voice — often with uncanny accuracy. The AI doesn't just mimic tone or pitch; it replicates inflection, accent, and even emotion.

For Bollywood, which has a treasure trove of legendary singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, and Mohammed Rafi, this technology has proved both mesmerizing and unsettling. Fans are amazed to hear their favorite voices again, but many question the authenticity and morality behind these "new" songs.

When the Dead “Sing” Again

In early 2025, a track surfaced on YouTube claiming to feature the voice of the late Lata Mangeshkar. The song, titled "Saajan Ke Sapne," was eerily reminiscent of her signature style. Despite a note clarifying that the voice was AI-generated and not an actual recording, the backlash was immediate.

Many fans were outraged, calling it a “digital resurrection without consent.” Her family issued a statement condemning the release, saying they were never consulted and that it disrespected her legacy. While the track was removed within days, the incident highlighted a growing issue: who owns a voice after death?

Bollywood’s Mixed Response

Reactions from the Bollywood music industry have been mixed. Some producers see AI-generated vocals as a cost-effective alternative to hiring professional singers. One music director anonymously commented, “If I can recreate a 1970s-style song with Kishore Kumar's voice, I know it’ll go viral.”

Others, however, have expressed deep concerns. Renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam publicly stated, “A voice is not just a tool. It’s a soul. Using it without permission — even posthumously — is stealing someone’s essence.”

Music labels are now scrambling to review contracts, with some including clauses on posthumous digital usage. But for most artists of the golden era, no such agreements exist.

Ethical Dilemmas and Legal Challenges

At the heart of the AI voice crisis is a murky intersection of law, ethics, and creativity. In many countries, including India, there is currently no comprehensive legal framework that governs the use of AI-generated voices.

Key ethical questions include:

• Consent: Can a deceased person consent to their voice being used? Should their family or estate be granted that authority?
• Legacy and Reputation: What if an AI-generated song tarnishes the image or style of a revered singer?
• Ownership: Is the voice part of an artist’s intellectual property?

In the U.S. and parts of Europe, there is growing advocacy for “voice rights,” a concept similar to image rights or personality rights. However, India is yet to catch up, leaving creators and consumers in a gray zone.

The Audience Dilemma: Nostalgia vs. Authenticity

Bollywood fans are among the most passionate in the world, and nostalgia plays a huge role in their connection to music. The idea of hearing Rafi's voice on a modern lo-fi track or Lata's vocals remixed with electronic beats is tantalizing — but also confusing.

While some listeners welcome the innovation, others feel it’s manipulative. Are we truly hearing the soul of the artist, or a sophisticated fake designed to stir our emotions?

Moreover, with deepfakes and voice clones becoming more convincing, how will audiences even know what’s real? Without strict labeling laws, there is a risk of deception — intentional or not.

Economic Impact on Current Artists

Beyond ethics and legality, there is an economic angle too. Rising singers and music composers worry that the demand for AI-generated voices will push them out of the industry. Why hire a new talent when you can recreate a legend?

In fact, some producers are already experimenting with AI mashups — combining the voices of multiple late singers into a single duet. The risk is that creativity becomes less about human expression and more about data manipulation.

Emerging artists say this trend stifles innovation and devalues genuine performance. They argue that the “imperfections” in a human voice are what make it unique — something AI can replicate, but not truly replace.

Calls for Regulation

As the debate intensifies, calls for regulation grow louder. Several industry bodies in India are now urging the government to:

• Establish voice ownership laws
• Ban unauthorized use of deceased artists' voices
• Require AI-generated content to carry a disclaimer
• Create digital certification standards for music content

Additionally, streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube are being pushed to implement stricter labeling and takedown mechanisms for AI-generated tracks that infringe on rights.

A Future of Collaboration, Not Imitation?

Despite the controversy, some experts believe that AI and human artistry can coexist — if used ethically. Imagine a world where AI tools assist living artists rather than replace the dead. A singer could use AI to simulate their voice in a different language or pitch range. A composer might collaborate with an AI version of a past mentor to enhance creativity, not mimic it.

The key lies in transparency, consent, and control. When handled responsibly, AI can become a powerful extension of musical expression rather than a threat to authenticity.

Conclusion

The rise of AI-generated voices in Bollywood marks a turning point in how we perceive music, memory, and identity. While technology continues to blur the lines between real and artificial, society must grapple with what we are willing to accept in the name of nostalgia.

As new “releases” by deceased singers flood platforms and go viral, the industry is forced to answer a difficult question: Are we honoring legends — or exploiting them?

Until clear laws and ethical frameworks are established, Bollywood’s AI voice crisis is likely to deepen, challenging our understanding of artistry, ownership, and respect for those no longer with us.

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. All examples are illustrative. The views expressed do not necessarily represent the opinions of any specific artist or institution. Always consult with legal and industry experts before engaging in AI voice generation or related technologies.