‘While janta's lost in Ghibli’: Bengaluru engineer reimagines Indian traditional paintings through AI, sparks debate

In a scroll-stopping reel that’s now dividing opinions online, Bengaluru-based tech veteran and Principal Engineer at Huawei, Dhruv Dhody, stirred a cultural hornet’s nest by posting a vibrant array of AI-generated artworks celebrating India’s traditional painting styles. The reel was captioned with a cheeky nudge: “While janta lost in Ghibli, we’re out here vibing desi art styles instead.”

From Warli to Pichwai, Gond to Mughal miniatures, Dhody’s reel was a tribute to 14 iconic Indian painting traditions—reimagined using artificial intelligence. The goal? To make people pause and appreciate the artistic richness of India through a contemporary digital lens.

But not everyone is vibing with the vision.

Between Appreciation and Appropriation

While many Instagrammers praised the post for its “informative” and “visually stunning” execution, the reel quickly drew criticism from traditional art supporters and activists, who took issue with the use of AI to replicate and reinterpret culturally sensitive styles—especially those rooted in marginalized tribal communities.

“As a creative yourself, you should be the last person to use AI,” wrote one user. “There’s no justification. Indigenous art is already in such a vulnerable state, we do not need individuals—and ultimately corporations—taking away the livelihoods of all those artisans.”

Dhody responded with a calm but pointed counterpoint. “AI is a reality. While one can choose to avoid it on principle, that alone may not change its course. Personally, I’d rather use it as a tool to spark more interest in Indian art.”

Art Meets Algorithm

The featured art styles in the reel weren’t just a random mix—they were a curated palette that included everything from the gold-leafed elegance of Thanjavur to the satirical strokes of Kalighat, and even the narrative vibrancy of Phad and Pattachitra.

But the flashpoint remains the use of AI. Critics argue that digital reinterpretations, even with good intentions, risk turning heritage into aesthetic—detached from its context and creators.

One commenter, who works with an NGO supporting Indian traditional arts, said: “Especially art forms practiced by marginalised groups are under threat of extinction if AI filters appropriate their style without giving recognition to the original creators.”

To which Dhody replied: “I see a clear distinction between physical and digital art… They can coexist, each with its own value. Yes, we absolutely should engage critically with AI, but comments labeling it as ‘disrespectful’ come off more as self-righteous posturing than meaningful critique.”

A Technologist’s Canvas

Dhody, a seasoned engineer with over two decades at Huawei and global credentials from the Internet Engineering Task Force, is no stranger to complex systems. Yet, his creative side—evident from his love for sarees, photography, and now digital art—often makes surprising appearances. His attempt to spotlight Indian art through an AI canvas may have hit a nerve, but it also started an important conversation.

In a world obsessed with Japanese animation and Ghibli aesthetics, Dhody’s reel offered a bold desi pivot. Whether you see it as homage or hubris, it’s undeniably a moment where India’s past met its algorithmic future—and the internet couldn’t look away.

So, What’s Next?

As Dhody’s reel racks up views and comments, the bigger question looms: Can technology help preserve traditional art, or will it simply repackage it for digital consumption? Is AI a brushstroke too far—or just the newest tool in a modern artist’s kit?

One thing’s clear—Dhruv Dhody didn’t just post a reel. He sparked a debate, one that may end up reshaping how we perceive, protect, and project our artistic heritage in the AI age.