About Viswanathan Anand
Viswanathan Anand is the man who made chess a mass sport in India. He became India’s first grandmaster in 1988 and won the World Chess Championship five times, and today, as a FIDE leader and mentor, he guides the generation of Indian prodigies he inspired.
Viswanathan Anand quick facts
- Born: 11 December 1969, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu
- Sport: Chess
- World titles: World Champion 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012
- Firsts: India’s first grandmaster (1988)
- Honours: Padma Vibhushan (2007)
Early life and background
Anand learned chess from his mother as a child in Chennai and became famous for his speed, earning the nickname “Lightning Kid”.
Career highlights
He won the world junior title in 1987, became a grandmaster in 1988 and reached the top of world chess, winning world titles in knockout, tournament and match formats. His academy work and mentorship have helped produce India’s current wave of grandmasters.
Major achievements
- Five-time World Chess Champion
- World Junior Champion – 1987
- India’s first grandmaster – 1988
- Multiple World Rapid titles
Honours
- Padma Vibhushan (2007)
- Padma Bhushan (2000)
- First recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (1991–92)
Audience and brand fit
Chess champions suit education, edtech, technology, banking and premium brands, and are excellent for corporate talks on strategy, focus and decision-making. Anand is among the most respected speakers in Indian sport.
Book Viswanathan Anand through CelebrityHai
Brands and event organisers can enquire about Viswanathan Anand through CelebrityHai for brand endorsements, ad films, corporate talks and leadership sessions, school and sports events, store launches and social media campaigns. Send us the brief with dates, location and what you need delivered. We take it to Anand’s management, check the calendar and come back with fees, usage terms and logistics in writing.
Frequently asked questions
How can I book Viswanathan Anand for an event or campaign?
Send an enquiry through CelebrityHai with the event or campaign type, city, date and budget range. We check Anand’s availability with their team and share a written quote with terms.
Is Viswanathan Anand available for brand endorsements?
Anand considers brand partnerships that suit their image and schedule. Availability depends on existing category exclusivities and calendar, which we confirm case by case.
Which languages does Viswanathan Anand work in?
English, Tamil, Hindi.
Can Viswanathan Anand speak at a corporate or school event?
Anand can be approached for motivational talks, award ceremonies, fireside chats and sports events, subject to training and competition schedules. Share your format and audience and we will check feasibility with their team.
Available for
- Brand Endorsement
- Event Appearance
- Motivational Talk
- Corporate Event
- Digital Campaign
- Social Media Campaign
Enquire for a campaign or event
Choose the format you are planning. These are enquiry options, not confirmed services; Viswanathan Anand’s team decides which briefs they accept.
- Brand endorsement
- Brand ambassador
- TV commercial
- Digital or social campaign
- Product launch
- Corporate event
- Public event or performance
- Commercial shoot or other
Fees are not published. They depend on deliverables, usage rights, duration and dates, and are confirmed with the talent’s team for your brief.
