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New Delhi | September 2025
Indian social media has a new obsession: the AI Saree Trend. Thousands of men and women are posting photos of themselves draped in traditional sarees, not from real photoshoots, but through an AI-powered editing tool that gives selfie portraits a glamorous Bollywood-style makeover.
Nicknamed the “Nano Banana Saree” feature, this trend runs on Google Gemini’s image-generation technology and has taken Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube by storm. While the results are often stunning, experts warn that the craze may come with hidden risks.
The Viral Craze
Over the past week, hashtags like #AISareeTrend and #NanoBananaChallenge have exploded across platforms. From college students and office workers to influencers and celebrities, everyone is experimenting with saree-themed AI transformations.
The edits often showcase users in sparkling embroidered sarees, elegant jewelry, and cinematic backgrounds, creating the illusion of a professional photoshoot.
“It’s like getting a glamorous portfolio without spending money,” joked Sneha Kapoor, a Delhi student whose AI saree reel quickly crossed 50,000 likes.
When Fun Turns Creepy
Not all results have been picture-perfect. Users have reported strange glitches — extra arms, distorted facial expressions, or odd jewelry placements. In some cases, the tool has generated inappropriate or unwanted edits, sparking criticism.
Cybersecurity researchers caution that when users upload selfies, they often lose control over how those images are stored or reused. “AI platforms may use the photos for training or commercial purposes. The bigger threat is identity misuse or image tampering,” explained a Bengaluru-based digital safety expert.
Women’s rights groups have also raised alarms, warning that the viral saree edits could easily be stolen, altered, and circulated as deepfake material, making them a tool for online harassment.
Google’s Statement
The trend isn’t officially branded by Google, but most of the edits are powered by its Gemini platform. In response to concerns, Google advised users to review privacy settings carefully and avoid uploading sensitive selfies. The company also said it is adding safeguards to limit unsafe or misleading outputs.
Why Indians Can’t Get Enough
Despite red flags, the craze continues to grow. Analysts say its popularity lies in the way it fuses cultural nostalgia with cutting-edge tech. The saree, one of India’s most traditional attires, suddenly looks futuristic when paired with AI creativity.
“It hits the sweet spot of stylish, desi, and perfect for social media,” said a Mumbai influencer who has gained thousands of new followers thanks to her AI saree transformations.
Safety Tips for Users
- Avoid uploading personal or high-quality selfies to unknown apps.
- Stick to verified platforms that have clear privacy policies.
- Remember that AI-generated photos can be copied, saved, and misused.
- Enjoy the trend responsibly while staying alert to risks.
Parting Thoughts
The AI Saree Trend captures how fast India embraces tech-driven pop culture blending fashion, tradition, and digital innovation. It may be fun and glamorous, but it also shines a spotlight on larger issues like digital safety, deepfakes, and data privacy. For now, the sarees may be virtual, but the risks tied to them are as real as ever.
