AI brings iconic Indian brand mascots to life in viral video

A wave of nostalgia has swept across social media after an Instagram creator used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reimagine some of India's most iconic brand mascots in stunning, hyper-realistic form. The creative project, posted by Shahid on his Instagram handle, has quickly gone viral, captivating netizens with lifelike versions of characters that have long been part of India’s advertising heritage.

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The video showcases a fresh, human-like take on beloved figures such as the Amul Girl, Air India’s Maharaja, the Nirma Girl, Asian Paints’ Gattu, Indian Railways’ Bholu the guard, Fido Dido from 7UP, and Chester Cheetah of Cheetos fame. These mascots, which have lived in the collective memory of generations, are now reimagined with expressive detail and realism—blending technology with nostalgia.

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Using AI tools, Shahid managed to recreate each character with textures, facial features, and aesthetics that reflect how these mascots might appear if they existed in real life. The visual transformation has struck a chord with viewers, with the video amassing thousands of likes and comments within days of posting.

This creative endeavor not only pays tribute to classic Indian advertising but also demonstrates the growing potential of AI in the world of digital art. The response online highlights how these mascots, though fictional, remain deeply rooted in India's pop culture fabric.