A growing trend involving AI-generated imagery has captured the attention of several high-profile Indian politicians. Kiren Rijiju, Shashi Tharoor, and Chirag Paswan are among the public figures who recently shared stylized portraits of themselves, designed to mimic the visual quality of photographs taken in the 1980s. These images, often created using AI tools like ChatGPT or similar generative platforms, typically feature retro fashion, vintage color palettes, and the distinct film grain associated with that decade.

The participation of these politicians highlights the increasing intersection of mainstream politics and viral internet culture. While the images are purely for entertainment and social media engagement, they reflect a broader trend of public figures utilizing generative AI to connect with younger, digitally-native audiences. The trend, which has seen widespread adoption across various demographics, involves users uploading current photos to AI models that then reimagine the subject in a different era or style.

While the Hindustan Times reports on the participation of these specific individuals, the coverage focuses primarily on the novelty of the trend rather than the implications of AI usage in political branding. There is no disagreement regarding the facts of the event, as the politicians themselves posted these images publicly on their verified social media accounts. The phenomenon serves as a case study in how quickly AI-generated content can move from niche tech circles into the mainstream political discourse, serving as a lighthearted departure from the typical policy-heavy content usually shared by these officials.