Sam Altman’s Emoji Fuels Buzz Over Ghibli-Style Modi Images

Sam Altman, OpenAI’s chief, sparked online buzz by posting an Indian flag emoji on X in response to AI-generated Studio Ghibli-style images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Launched by MyGov India on March 28, 2025, the campaign featured 15 whimsical depictions of Modi shaking hands with Donald Trump, petting lion cubs crafted with ChatGPT’s latest image tool. Noted that Altman’s emoji was seen by many as a nod to India’s AI strides, igniting varied reactions on social media.

The viral trend, captioned “Main character? No. He’s the whole storyline,” blended India’s tech ambitions with Studio Ghibli’s iconic aesthetic, gaining swift traction online. Users on X speculated about Altman’s intent, with one calling it a “blessing” for India’s AI scene, while another joked about GPUs straining under Ghibli demand. The images highlight AI’s growing role in creative expression, a phenomenon amplified by OpenAI’s recently rolled-out generator.

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Reactions ranged from delight to humor, with one X user dubbing the Modi-Ghibli mashup “the collab we didn’t know we needed.” As of March 31, 2025, the campaign underscores India’s place in the global AI landscape, with Altman’s subtle gesture keeping the conversation alive . The fusion of politics, technology, and art continues to captivate the internet.