In a rare and delightful moment, World Chess Champion D Gukesh and five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand were seen dancing to popular Bollywood songs at the wedding of fellow Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi. The video, which has since gone viral, caught fans by surprise, showcasing a fun, lighter side of the usually reserved chess stars.
Known for their brilliance on the chessboard, both Gukesh and Anand took to the dance floor, proving they have more to offer than just grand strategies and moves on the 64 squares.
The wedding, held on April 2, was a grand affair, attended by several prominent figures from the chess world. Vidit Gujrathi tied the knot with Nidhi Kataria, and the celebrations featured some memorable moments, including Gukesh’s energetic dance performance.
The 18-year-old, who is also the reigning World No. 3 and India No. 1, was seen grooving to the music, enjoying the beats and letting loose in a way that fans rarely get to see during the intense, high-pressure chess tournaments he competes in. Anand, known for his stoic demeanour, also joined in the festivities and showcased his dance moves alongside Vidit.
The fun moments at Vidit Gujrathi’s wedding are a testament to Gukesh’s down-to-earth nature, even as he continues to make waves in the world of chess. While the dance performance stole the spotlight, Gukesh’s upcoming chess commitments are also in focus. The young Grandmaster will be participating in the Paris leg of the inaugural Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, taking place from April 7 to 14.
What’s next for Vidit Gujarati?
Meanwhile, in less than a week, Vidit will be seen in his next tournament. After battling through a tough three-day qualifier last month, he secured a spot in the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Paris, starting on Monday, April 7.