A 3D model of M S Dhoni created by an artist is being shared as a 3D reconstruction of Chanakya by Magadha University

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A viral claim has surfaced on social media involving a photo that is allegedly a 3D recreation of Chanakya, the author of Arthashastra, done by Magadha DS University. The recreation bears an uncanny resemblance to the former captain of the Indian cricket team, M S Dhoni. Let’s verify this claim through this fact-check article.

Claim: The image shows a 3D recreation of Chanakya done by Magadha DS University, which has an uncanny similarity to MS Dhoni.

Fact: The photo in question is indeed a 3D model, but it’s not of Chanakya. It’s a model of MS Dhoni created by an artist named Ankur Khatri. Additionally, there is no connection to Magadha DS University, a university that does not even exist. Hence, the claim made in the post is False.

To ascertain the facts behind the viral claim, we performed a reverse image search on the photo. The search led us to the same photo on ArtStation, an art-sharing website where character model artist Ankur Khatri had posted it, along with other 3D models of MS Dhoni.

The caption of the post read “MS Dhoni Likeliness Study.” He also shared a detailed video of how he created this model of MS Dhoni on his Instagram account.

We then searched the internet for any links between Khatri and the alleged “Magadha DS University” but couldn’t find any university by that name. A university named Magadh University does exist in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, but they denied having any involvement in creating the said 3D model. Dr. Gopal Singh, the media convenor of Magadh University, spoke to BoomLive and labelled the claim as false.

To sum up, the claim that the 3D model is a recreation of Chanakya by Magadha DS University is entirely false. The model is, in reality, a digital art piece of MS Dhoni crafted by artist Ankur Khatri.