By Zain Khan Watozai
A seemingly innocent photo of Bollywood’s power couple, Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan, allegedly performing rituals in Mecca, has set social media ablaze. The image, which shows Gauri Khan wearing traditional attire alongside her husband, triggered widespread speculation about her possible conversion to Islam after 33 years of marriage.
However, the truth behind the viral photo is far less sensational—it has been confirmed that the image was generated using artificial intelligence (AI). Despite its fabricated origins, the picture caused heated debates and misunderstandings, with fans and detractors alike questioning its authenticity.
The AI-generated photo gave rise to claims that Gauri Khan, who is a devout Hindu, might have embraced Islam. Discussions exploded on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with some users taking it as evidence of a secret visit to Mecca, while others dismissed it as another instance of digital misinformation.
Shah Rukh Khan, a long-standing advocate for religious harmony, has often spoken about respecting and celebrating the coexistence of Hindu and Muslim traditions within his family. Neither Shah Rukh nor Gauri has commented on the image, which experts have since confirmed to be manipulated.
This incident highlights the potential for AI-generated content to fuel confusion and unfounded rumors. While the debate over the photo may have subsided, it serves as a reminder to critically assess what circulates on social media, as appearances can be deceiving.
