Alia Bhatt praises Gemini’s ‘hug my younger self’ trend: ‘Sometimes we just have to hug our inner 8-year-old' - see photo

Social media trends change rapidly, but occasionally one touches hearts. The newest craze on Instagram and X is Google Gemini’s “hug my younger self” challenge. By uploading a childhood photo and using a simple prompt, users create sweet Polaroid-style images of their present self embracing their younger self. Bollywood celebrities like Alia Bhatt have also joined in and praised the trend.Fan edit and Alia’s responseHer fan page posted a heartwarming edit featuring Alia’s current self embracing her younger version. The caption read, “I can’t; the younger one would be so proud today.” The actress shared this image on her Instagram story, adding, “Sometimes we just have to reach out and hug our inner eight-year-old. Thank you for this one.” She also included Taylor Swift’s song 'The Way I Loved You', showing her appreciation for the trend.Origin of the trendGoogle Gemini’s AI tool, Nano Banana, started this trend. It helps people create real-looking Polaroid-style pictures of their present selves hugging their younger selves using simple prompts. The trend lets people imagine a warm and happy moment with their younger self.Alia’s upcoming projectsOn the work front, Alia is preparing for the release of her next movie, ‘Alpha,’ directed by Shiv Rawail. The film, featuring Sharvari and Bobby Deol, is the seventh chapter in YRF’s spy universe and will hit theaters on December 25, 2025. Additionally, Alia is working on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Love & War,’ which stars Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. This film is currently being made and is set to release in 2026.