Digital
The human edge: Why creativity beats AI in communication, Starstuff Labs report
As AI floods content, human insight and originality remain irreplaceable
NEW DELHI: Artificial intelligence is cheaper, faster, and more accessible than ever, yet creativity and human judgement remain the secret sauce that machines cannot replicate.
What started as a tool for efficiency is now shaping how messages are crafted, audiences are reached, and decisions are made. But as AI-generated content multiplies, questions about quality, trust, and originality are multiplying too.
Ahead of the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Starstuff Labs has weighed in with The Human Edge: AI, Creativity, and the Future of Communication. The report examines how organisations are embracing AI in creative workflows, while highlighting why judgement, originality, and accountability remain distinctly human.
“Even as AI boosts speed and scale, it struggles with nuance, empathy, and cultural context. Human oversight is essential to keep content authentic,” said Starstuff Labs director Raghu Kalra. “This study explores how creatives can prepare for a future flooded by AI-generated material.”
The research draws insights from creative, psychological, corporate, and developmental professionals across the globe. One clear trend stands out: while being AI-enabled is now expected, safeguarding a unique voice and ethical judgement sets organisations apart.
With teams layering AI onto existing workflows without rethinking authorship, differentiation no longer comes from technology alone. The ability to interpret context, question outputs, and decide what is appropriate is what gives humans the edge.
Designed to be accessible for visually impaired readers, the report signals a turning point for the creative industry: in a world awash with AI, it’s not the tool but the human touch that will truly stand out.
Digital
How an AI personality became one of India’s fastest-growing influencers
A web series star, podcaster, and 376k Instagram followers, Naina Avtr is India’s first AI superstar
MUMBAI: Move over humans, India’s first AI superstar is taking centre stage. Meet Naina Avtr, a 22-year-old virtual influencer from Jhansi who has captured the imagination of millions. Since her debut in late 2022, Naina has become more than just a CGI creation – she is a bona fide digital celebrity with over 3.76 lakh Instagram followers.
Naina’s claim to fame is packed with firsts. She made her acting debut in October 2025 in the micro-drama series Truth & Lies on Instagram, marking the first time an AI character led a drama alongside human actors. She also hosts The nAIna Show, India’s first AI-driven podcast, where she has chatted with celebrities like Sobhita Dhulipala, Richa Chadha, Kritika Kamra, Saiyami Kher, Esha Deol, Hansika Motwani, and Nargis Fakhri.
The virtual diva has also become a style icon and brand ambassador, collaborating with big names like Nykaa, Puma, and Pepsi. Her Instagram feed, packed with dance routines, outfit reels, fitness tips, and lifestyle snapshots, regularly sparks debate among fans over whether she is real or robot.
Behind the magic is Avtr Meta Labs, led by CEO Abhishek Razdan. Naina comes to life using a blend of CGI, generative AI, and hybrid motion capture, where a human double’s movements are digitally swapped with Naina’s face. Her AI-powered voice can speak in 120 languages, making her a truly global digital star.
The AI icon has not gone unnoticed, winning awards such as the NDTV WhosThat360 AI Creator Award, the Midday Showbiz AI Influencer Award, and the International Iconic AI Influencer title in 2024.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just scrolling for entertainment, Naina Avtr proves that the line between virtual and reality is blurring, and she is leading the parade.
