Google’s Nano Banana AI saree trend gains popularity, IPS officer warns of online scams

Google’s latest AI tool, Gemini 2.5 Flash Image — popularly called “Nano Banana” — is creating waves online by turning selfies into cinematic portraits inspired by 90s Indian films.

The trend has caught the imagination of netizens, especially women, who are sharing images of themselves in flowing sarees and vintage film aesthetics.

Users upload a selfie and, with a simple prompt, the AI transforms the image into a stylised portrait. Popular prompts include translucent red chiffon sarees, jasmine flowers tucked behind the ear, flowing hair, and golden-hour lighting that gives the pictures a dreamy, nostalgic vibe.

Bollywood star Sonakshi Sinha has also joined the trend, sharing images of herself in a striking red silk saree with a flower-adorned side-sweep hairstyle, a playful printed salwar kameez alongside a puppy, and a serene blue saree while reading a book.

However, this viral trend has raised concerns.

IPS officer VC Sajjanar has warned users to be cautious. In a post on X, he urged people to “beware of this trend,” suggesting they “might be falling into a trap.” He explained that scammers exploit such viral trends to phish personal data and money. “Be cautious with trending topics on the internet! Falling into the trap of the ‘Nano Banana’ trending craze... if you share personal information online, such scams are bound to happen,” he wrote.

He also cautioned that “With just one click, the money in your bank accounts can end up in the hands of criminals. Never share photos or personal details with fake websites or unauthorised apps. You can share your joyful moments on social media trends, but don’t forget that safety should be your top priority.”

Sajjanar further warned that once data is collected by fake platforms, retrieving it becomes extremely difficult. “If you step onto an unseen path, you are certain to fall into a pit... Think twice before uploading your photos or personal information. These trends come and make a fuss for a few days before disappearing... Once your data goes to fake websites or unauthorised apps, retrieving it is difficult. Remember... your data, your money – your responsibility,” he concluded.