
New Delhi, February 23, 2026: In an era where filters and artificial intelligence can transform a face in seconds, filmmaker Shirish Kunder’s latest social media revival has left the internet divided. The husband of choreographer-director Farah Khan, known for his witty Twitter (X) persona and behind-the-scenes expertise, recently resurfaced with a series of photos that look nothing like the reticent editor the public remembers.
The transformation—ranging from a chiseled physique to a remarkably youthful glow—has ignited a heated debate: is this a case of extreme “reverse ageing” through fitness, or is the industry’s latest obsession with AI-generated imagery at play?
After maintaining a relatively low profile for several years, Shirish Kunder’s recent Instagram activity has been anything but quiet. The filmmaker shared a series of high-fashion shots that showcase a drastic physical change.
The core of the controversy lies in the “perfection” of the images. In a world where AI tools can de-age actors for movies or create hyper-realistic portraits from scratch, fans are skeptical.
Many social media users pointed out the “uncanny valley” effect—a term used when digital renders look almost human but slightly “off.” Skeptics argue that the lighting and skin texture in the photos appear too flawless to be natural, suggesting that Shirish might be experimenting with generative AI to project a new avatar.
On the other side of the debate, loyalists believe this is a genuine transformation. Given that Shirish has always been known for his technical prowess and interest in visual effects, some suggest he may have applied that same discipline to a rigorous health and anti-ageing regimen. Comments like “He’s ageing backwards!” and “The Benjamin Button of Bollywood” have become common on his feed.
Known for her signature humor, Farah Khan didn’t miss the chance to poke fun at the buzz. Reacting to a photo of her husband looking particularly suave on a flight, she commented with a laughing emoji:
“Going somewhere??”
The comment served as a grounded reminder of the couple’s playful dynamic, even as the rest of the internet debated whether they were looking at a human or a sophisticated algorithm.
While many praised the “new” Shirish, a section of fans urged the filmmaker to embrace his natural self.
“Be proud of your original look,” one user wrote, reflecting a growing sentiment against the digital “beautification” of celebrities.
Whether these photos are the result of a dedicated lifestyle change, a clever use of AI, or simply a filmmaker playing with his love for visual aesthetics, one thing is certain: Shirish Kunder has successfully recaptured the public’s attention.