In the ever-evolving world of digital creativity, a new viral sensation is sweeping across social media platforms, captivating millions with its blend of nostalgia, pop culture, and cutting-edge artificial intelligence. The trend, known as the "Banana AI Saree" or "Nano Banana AI" phenomenon, is powered by Google DeepMind's latest image generation model, Gemini Nano Banana, and has been making waves since its release in August 2025. From hyper-realistic 3D figurines to dramatic 90s Bollywood-inspired portraits, this trend is redefining how people interact with their photos and express their artistic flair online.
It all began with the Nano Banana AI 3D figurine craze, which took social media by storm as users transformed ordinary selfies into miniature, toy-style avatars. According to reporting from BloombergQuint and Vibes of India, the Gemini 2.5 Flash Image model, accessible through both app and browser, allows anyone to create hyper-realistic 3D figures with just a single prompt. "From photo to figurine style in just one prompt. People are having fun turning their photos into images of custom miniature figures, thanks to nano-banana in Gemini. Try a pic of yourself, a cool nature shot, a family photo, or a shot of your pup," Gemini shared in a post on X, capturing the playful spirit of the trend.
Initially, the focus was on crafting collectible-style avatars, complete with acrylic bases and even virtual collector’s box packaging, all generated by AI. But the innovation didn’t stop there. As users grew more adventurous, the Nano Banana technology became the backbone for a host of creative experiments, ranging from anime heroes and fantasy icons to beloved movie characters. Reddit user @aipromptprogramming even compiled a list of ten hidden tricks and prompts, encouraging the community to push the boundaries of what Gemini Nano Banana could do.
Hot on the heels of the 3D figurine trend, another wave of AI-powered artistry emerged: the Banana AI Saree trend. Now sweeping Instagram and beyond, this trend invites users to reimagine themselves in the glamorous, grainy aesthetic of 1990s Bollywood cinema. With the help of Google’s Gemini Nano Banana image editing tool, ordinary selfies are transformed into dramatic retro-style posters, complete with chiffon sarees floating in the wind, moody expressions, and textured, golden-hour lighting. Popular edits feature translucent polka-dot designs, black party-wear sarees, and soft floral accents—styles that evoke the cinematic magic of the era.
As BloombergQuint details, the process for joining the Banana AI Saree trend is remarkably simple and accessible. Users log in to their Google account via Gemini or ChatGPT, select the “Try Image Editing” option, and look for the Banana icon. After uploading a clear solo photo, they paste in one of the viral prompts—such as "Black Saree" or "White Polka Dot"—and let the AI work its magic. Within seconds, the platform generates a striking retro saree portrait, ready to be shared across social media.
Sample prompts have become a key part of the trend’s popularity, with users exchanging their favorites to achieve the perfect Bollywood look. One widely circulated prompt reads: "Convert this person into a retro vintage grainy but bright image, black party-wear saree, 90s film aesthetic… lighting is warm, with golden sunset tones evoking golden hour glow…" Others get even more specific, describing everything from the drape of the saree to the direction of the gaze and the mood of the lighting. One detailed prompt, highlighted in both BloombergQuint and Vibes of India, instructs: "Convert into a 4K, ultra-realistic portrait of a young Indian woman with the exact same face as the uploaded image (no alteration, 100% identical). She has long, dark, wavy hair cascading over her shoulders and is wearing a translucent, elegant red saree draped over one shoulder, revealing a fitted blouse underneath. White flowers are tucked behind her right ear. She is gazing slightly to her right with a soft, serene expression. The background is a plain, warm-toned wall, illuminated by a warm light source from the right, casting a distinct, soft-edged shadow of her profile and hair on the wall. The overall mood is retro and artistic."
The Gemini AI photo editing suite doesn’t just stop at saree looks. The model supports a wide range of creative transformations, including blending multiple photos, maintaining consistency of people or pets across edits, and even turning everyday objects into fantastical characters. The technology is accessible for free via Google AI Studio, making it easy for anyone to experiment with their own images and join the viral "Gemini trending photo prompt" challenge.
For those seeking variety, the community has shared an array of alternative prompts to achieve different vibes. Want a cinematic masterpiece? Try: "Generate a cinematic, hyper-realistic photo of the uploaded person wearing a flowing, deep-purple silk saree against a dramatic, stormy sky at dusk. The saree is billowing in the wind. The lighting is moody and high-contrast, with a single light source from the left highlighting the folds of the fabric and casting a long, dramatic shadow. The expression is intense and focused, as if a scene from a movie." Prefer something surreal? There’s a prompt for that, too: "Transform the uploaded person into a fantasy-style portrait. She is an ethereal goddess wearing a shimmering, iridescent saree made of starlight and nebula dust. The saree has a magical glow and trails behind her as she floats in a surreal landscape of floating islands and glowing flora. The lighting is magical and otherworldly, casting soft light on her serene face. The overall mood is dreamlike and surreal." For a nostalgic touch, users can opt for: "Create a vintage-style photograph of the uploaded person, with a grainy film texture and sepia tones. She is wearing a traditional, handloom cotton saree in a simple pattern, sitting on a wooden stool on a sun-drenched veranda. The background is a traditional Indian courtyard with potted plants and hanging lanterns. The mood is nostalgic and timeless, capturing a moment from the past."
This democratization of AI-powered creativity has made the Gemini Nano Banana trend a true phenomenon. The technology’s intuitive design, step-by-step guides, and compatibility with both mobile and desktop platforms have lowered the barrier to entry, allowing users of all backgrounds to participate. As described in Vibes of India, the process is as easy as opening the Gemini app, uploading a photo, pasting a prompt, and sharing the result—no technical expertise required.
Social media platforms, especially Instagram and Reddit, have become the epicenter of this movement, with users eagerly sharing their AI-generated portraits and 3D figurines. The viral nature of the trend has been amplified by the ability to instantly download and post creations, tag friends, and experiment with countless styles and moods. The "Gemini trending photo prompt" challenge continues to inspire new waves of creativity, as people discover fresh ways to reinterpret their own images and those of their loved ones (even their pets!).
As the boundaries between technology and art continue to blur, the Nano Banana AI trend stands as a testament to the power of accessible innovation. By blending nostalgia, pop culture, and the latest advances in AI, Google’s Gemini Nano Banana has sparked a global creative movement—one selfie at a time.
