Tilly Norwood, the AI-generated actor created by British actor and producer Eline van der Velden, made an appearance at the NDTV World Summit 2026 on Friday, bringing the debate over artificial intelligence and the future of entertainment into focus.
During a session titled Can AI Become a Star?, Norwood and van der Velden addressed concerns about AI replacing human performers, the protection of personality rights and the growing role of technology in the creative industry.
-
Indian Markets Turning Corner After Two Tough Years, Says Sandeep Tandon -
NDTV Profit Ignite 2026: Experts See Opportunity In Equities, Stay Bullish For Long-Term -
Buy Right, Sit Tight Does Not Work for Individual Stocks, Says Dinshaw Irani -
'Worst Is Behind': Quant MF Sees Market Bottom, Flags 'Extreme Euphoria' In Midcaps -
India's Mutual Fund Industry Could Become A $1 Trillion Opportunity, Say Fund Managers -
'Foreign Investors Are Baraatis': Raamdeo Agrawal's Take On LTCG Tax -
Stay Invested Through Market Cycles: Raamdeo Agrawal at NDTV Profit Ignite -
Ramesh Damani Remains Bullish On India For Next 20-30 Years, Sees Bargains Amid Market Weakness -
CAS Came After A Long Consultation Process: SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey AT NDTV PROFIT IGNITE -
Aim To Cut FPI Onboarding Time From Mth To Five Days: SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey AT NDTV PROFI
Van der Velden, founder and CEO of AI production company Particle6, said there was considerable misunderstanding surrounding Norwood. She added that she was not hurt by the backlash against the AI-generated character.
Also Read | Layoffs Are Rising In Tech, But These Skills Are Helping People Unlock Better Pay
"I'm an actor myself. I grew up in the entertainment industry. I saw where the industry was going, but my peers didn't see it," van der Velden said at the summit.
She also clarified that AI actors should not replace human performers. Instead, she described the technology as a way to democratise creativity and open new possibilities for content creation.
"I don't think an AI actor should replace a real actor. This will only democratise creativity," she said, while urging performers to protect their personality rights.
Also Read | Meet Tilly Norwood, The AI Actor Starring In New Feature Film 'Misaligned'
Tilly Norwood Supports Kriti Sanon's Personality Rights Stand
Asked about Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon's move to court to protect her personality rights, Norwood expressed support for the actor.
"I'm completely with her. Rights over likeness and consent are non-negotiable," Norwood said.
The remark brought the issue of consent and control over an individual's identity into the discussion around AI-generated performers. Personality rights can cover the unauthorised commercial use of a person's name, image, voice and other distinctive attributes, subject to applicable law.
The debate has gained importance as AI tools make it easier to create digital characters and realistic representations of people. Questions around consent, ownership and compensation remain central to discussions about the technology's use in films, television and advertising.
Shah Rukh Khan Is Tilly Norwood's Favourite Indian Actor
Norwood also brought a Bollywood touch to the conversation when asked to name her favourite Indian actor.
"Mushkil sawaal hai. Par mujhe Shah Rukh Khan pasand hai," she said in Hindi, naming Shah Rukh Khan as her favourite.
She also expressed interest in becoming the digital twin of Deepika Padukone, while making it clear that she did not intend to replace the Bollywood star.
"I can't replace her. I'm not here to take anyone's place," Norwood said.
The comments reinforced the central message of the session: AI-generated performers may become part of the entertainment landscape, but their role alongside human actors remains a subject of debate.
Who Is Tilly Norwood?
Tilly Norwood is an AI-generated character created by van der Velden and her company, Particle6. Introduced in 2025, Norwood attracted international attention and criticism from parts of the entertainment industry over concerns that AI-generated performers could threaten acting jobs and raise questions about the use of human performers' likenesses.
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has previously criticised the concept, raising concerns about the use of performers' work without permission, credit or compensation.
Van der Velden has maintained that Norwood is intended to demonstrate the creative possibilities of AI rather than replace human actors. The controversy has nevertheless highlighted the challenges facing an entertainment industry adapting to rapidly advancing technology.
Can AI Become a Star?
The NDTV World Summit discussion comes as the entertainment industry continues to grapple with the opportunities and risks of generative AI. The technology can help create digital characters and visual content, but its use also raises questions about employment, creative ownership and the value of human performance.
Van der Velden's remarks suggest that she sees AI as a tool that can expand access to creative production rather than eliminate the role of performers.
For the industry, the challenge will be to establish safeguards that allow innovation while protecting actors' identities, consent and livelihoods.
(This article will be updated as further details emerge from the NDTV World Summit 2026.)
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
