Reflecting on his extensive career, Anand shares his newfound appreciation for life beyond the chessboard. ‘I have been traveling for almost 50 years for chess, and have not been part of many things back home because of my career,’ Anand states. Now, he relishes simple pleasures like spending time with family, playing table tennis with his son Akhil, and supporting his artistic endeavors.
At 56, Anand finds joy in activities long neglected due to his demanding schedule. His presence at his son Akhil’s solo art exhibition in Chennai exemplifies this shift. ‘As a father, I feel that I should now be more present and enjoy being a family,’ he emphasizes, highlighting his commitment to family life.
Looking ahead, Anand is set to engage audiences at The Hindu Lit for Life 2026, where he will discuss his passions and insights. This new phase of life allows Anand to pursue interests like reading, with books such as ‘Inner Life of Numbers’ and ‘Why We Die’ capturing his attention. His journey continues to inspire, blending the worlds of chess, family, and intellectual pursuit.
