Architect who created viral miniature model of Chepauk stadium opens up about gifting it to ‘thala’ MS Dhoni

The miniature model also has a mini four-inch TV installed for playing a three-minute video of some of his "precious moments in cricket and from his life".

Architect Sivakumar with MS Dhoni (Source: Sivakumar R/Miniature World Modelmakers)

Recently, fans could not keep calm when a picture of the ever-smiling MS Dhoni looking over a miniature model of Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium took the internet by storm. While it is no big deal to find every move of the Chennai Super Kings’ ‘captain cool’ go viral, this particular picture grabbed extra attention. So, it was only fair to reach out to architect Sivakumar. R, who created the 3D-printed model, and… wait for it… even gifted it to Dhoni who seemed “very impressed”.

“We wanted this gift to be a life-long memory for him because he is the King of Chepauk, who has entertained CSK fans over the years. The model will soon be delivered to his house in Ranchi,” Sivakumar, 35, from Chennai’s Kotturpuram told indianexpress.com in an exclusive interaction.

MS Dhoni overlooking the model (Source: Sivakumar R/Miniature World Modelmakers)

Sharing that “Thala was very intrigued by our effort”, Sivakumar, an ardent CSK fan himself, said, “He confessed that he has never received such a gift in his lifetime. He also praised the nuances of the model.”

Story continues below this ad

On the intricacies of the miniature model, Sivakumar said, “It contains all the details of Chepauk Stadium, including miniature flood lights. We have dedicated one of the stands in the model to our Thala and named it the MS Dhoni stand. We have even kept the seats in shades of the military colour palette.” For the unversed, the military colour palette is a tribute to Dhoni’s Lieutenant Colonel rank in the Indian Army, which he proudly sports.

The miniature model also has a mini four-inch TV installed for playing a three-minute video of some of his “precious moments in cricket and from his life”.

Sivakumar also took to his Instagram to share a few snippets of his meeting with Dhoni, “Thank you for entertaining us Thala! Thala’s ‘ANBUDEN’ ‘A Tribute to Dhoni'”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Miniature w🌍rld (@miniature_world_modelmakers)

While the model is designed and created by Sivakumar, it was conceptualised and sponsored by his client and friend Japtej Ahluwalia. “It was his idea that we gave life to by adding the additional details,” said Sivakumar.

Also Read | Designed by celebrated Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye, the model for KNMA’s new building was unveiled in Delhi

Refraining from disclosing the cost of the model, Sivakumar said, “It is somewhat costly since the entire model is designed and 3D printed.”

Story continues below this ad

📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!

Jayashree Narayanan

Jayashree Narayanan writes on fitness, health, aviation safety, food, culture and everything lifestyle. She is an alumnus of AJKMCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia and Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi ... Read More

📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram