Fact Check: Video of choreographer Kiran Jopale falsely linked with Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan
Kamran Khan 
A video has gone viral on social media featuring a dancer who closely resembles legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. While sharing the video, users wrote, “Muttiah Muralitharan dances better than he bowls.”
Fact Check
During the investigation, DFRAC found the claim to be false. We discovered a similar video on the official Instagram account of choreographer Kiran Jopale, uploaded on July 22, 2024, with the caption, “CAN’T GET OVER THIS VIBE. THANK YOU SO MUCH, BANGALORE.”
Additionally, we found multiple media reports regarding the viral video. According to a report by Hindustan Times published on August 2, 2024, “In an unexpected twist of fate, choreographer Kiran Jopale has become an internet sensation thanks to his dance moves to Vicky Kaushal’s recent hit ‘Tauba Tauba.’ His performance has left viewers in awe, but what truly sets this story apart is that several people have been confusing him with Sri Lankan cricket legend Muttiah Muralitharan due to their striking resemblance.”
Moreover, we also found a report from India Times, published on August 3, 2024, which states, “A video of Instagram influencer Kiran Jopale dancing to the popular song ‘Tauba Tauba’ from Vicky Kaushal’s film Bad Newz has gone viral, with many viewers mistakenly believing it features legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan.”
Conclusion
It is evident from DFRAC’s fact check that the person seen in the viral video is choreographer Kiran Jopale, not Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. Therefore, the claim made by social media users is misleading.
Siddharth Urmil 
