Itanagar: Politicians across Arunachal Pradesh are riding social media’s throwback-to-the-’80s trend, turning their present-day portraits into retro avatars.CM Pema Khandu joined the trend by sharing an AI-styled photograph of himself in 1980s-inspired attire.“Everyone’s doing it, so here I am. Good old days, 80s edition. #80sVibes #80sEdition #BackToThe80s,” Khandu posted on his official social media accounts.The post drew hundreds of comments, with many users comparing Khandu’s look to actor Mithun Chakraborty in Disco Dancer. Several responded with their own ’80s-inspired images.Deputy CM Chowna Mein; ministers Balo Raja, Ojing Tasing and Mama Natung; and MLAs Topin Ete, Nyabi Jini Dirchi, Pesi Jilen, Laisam Simai, Ratu Techi and others also shared retro-styled photographs.The BJP’s Arunachal unit posted similar images featuring its president Kaling Moyong, Union minister Kiren Rijiju, MPs Tapir Gao and Tai Tagak. Several senior govt officials have also joined the trend.Driven by generative AI tools and vintage filters, the #80sVibes challenge transforms contemporary portraits into images inspired by 1980s cinema, fashion and magazines.
