After receiving a positive verdict from the Delhi High Court in a landmark case to secure his voice, image, and personality rights, renowned Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan is set to introduce his digital avatar for direct interaction with fans. In collaboration with Ikonz, an IP monetization platform, Big B aims to revolutionize the way celebrities engage with their fans by leveraging cutting-edge generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Ikonz has been granted exclusive management rights for Bachchan's digital avatar, which will serve as a virtual representation of the iconic Bollywood actor. This innovative approach will enable fans to engage with Bachchan in real time, offering a unique and immersive experience.
Abinav Varma Kalidindi, the founder and chief executive of Ikonz, expressed his excitement, describing it as a significant milestone for the company. He said, “Together we will leverage the power of generative AI to create immersive experiences transcending physical boundaries. With our state-of-the-art technology, fans will now have an opportunity to interact with their favourite actor like never before. It will be a hyper-realistic digital avatar with a holographic external reality, which can converse with people."
As part of their collaboration, Bachchan has made an undisclosed investment in Ikonz, demonstrating his strong commitment to the partnership and the future of interactive entertainment. Expressing his fascination with emerging technologies, Bachchan said, “I am intrigued with the way technology is evolving and the pace at which innovations are coming up. One such is generative AI. I am happy to be a part of an amazing futuristic world and have thus partnered with Ikonz. Together we will embark on this new world of the metaverse."
In 2022, Ikonz successfully raised a seed funding round, securing investments from Village Global, an early-stage venture capital firm, and Woodstock, a technology investment firm. Additionally, Polygon Studios, the NFT and gaming division of Polygon, also participated in the funding round.
Ikonz is positioning itself as a leader in the field of generative AI technology, and their collaboration with Bachchan perfectly aligns with their vision of merging cutting-edge technologies with iconic figures to create a new era of interactive entertainment. Through this partnership, fans from around the world will have the opportunity to engage with their favourite celebrities on a global scale.
The team at Ikonz has already begun working closely with Bachchan to capture his distinct characteristics, ensuring that fans receive a truly unparalleled and personalized experience. The integration of artificial intelligence and creative expression through generative AI is rapidly reshaping the digital landscape, and Bachchan's collaboration with Ikonz serves as a prime example of the transformative possibilities this technology holds.