AI vs Human experience: Ketki Dave asserts AI can't replicate genuine emotions; Highlights the irreplaceable depth of theatre and storytelling

Actress Ketki Dave’s energy is infectious and confident. With an experience of decades spanning TV, films and theatre, the actress continues to have deep love for her craft. Speaking to us, the Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya actress explains that theatre is her foundation and it keeps her sharp and focused. “Theatre is the starting point. It teaches you discipline, timing, and presence,” she says. Television, on the other hand, demands speed and adaptability because the story and characters evolve constantly. “TV teaches you how to be alert and fast, while movies give you the chance to do quality work. Each medium offers its own lessons, and I embrace the diversity,” she says.

‘Daksha Virani was very real’

For many viewers, she remains inseparable from Daksha Virani, the sharp-tongued bahu from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Her iconic ‘Ara ra’ became a pop culture fixture before social media was even a thing, then resurfacing on social media with memes and reels. Ketki attributes Daksha’s lasting appeal to authenticity rather than a catchphrase. “She was very real. People could actually imagine someone like her in their house. She was funny and sharp, with shades of grey. That is why she is still remembered,” she explains.

‘AI cannot replicate human experience’

As audiences increasingly turn to Instagram and OTT platforms, Ketki observes that the shift is partly driven by the control that viewers now have over what they watch. “Reels and OTT let you fast forward the parts you don’t want to see. Society has gone fast, so naturally, this is happening,” she says, smiling at the irony of a world where attention spans are shrinking. Despite the convenience and speed of these platforms, Ketki believes that television and theatre retain a depth and connection that short-form content cannot replicate. “Theatre will never die. It is a live artform. The bond between the performer and audience - when people laugh, cry, or clap together - no technology can recreate that,” she adds. Ketki is cautious about artificial intelligence in storytelling, seeing the technology as useful but limited. “AI may be smart, but it cannot replicate human experience. An actor draws from real sunsets, real heartbreaks, real joys. AI can simulate but never feel,” she says. For Ketki, lived experience is essential to performance, a truth that no algorithm can replicate.

“For me, the performance, talent and nuance remain at the heart of storytelling, irrespective of the medium”

“Theatre is timeless. Even if formats change, the experience of being present and witnessing a story live will always matter more”