Five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand sat down for a riveting conversation with Barun Das, MD & CEO of TV9 Network, in the latest episode of Duologue with Barun Das, offering rare insights into the evolving chess landscape, the role of AI in the game, and India’s growing stature as a chess powerhouse.

The episode, set to air on March 15, 2025, at 10 pm on News9, promises an engaging deep dive into the mind of one of the greatest chess players of all time.

During the conversation, Anand reflected on how chess extends beyond the 64 squares, shaping decision-making, patience, and problem-solving in real life. When asked whether his on-board persona differs from his real-life personality, the grandmaster humorously recalled an anecdote from his childhood. “I hate losing, whether it’s in chess or a simple card game. My mother used to joke that if I hated losing in chess as much as I did in cards, I’d be a much better player,” he chuckled, giving a rare glimpse into his early mindset, the platform said in a press release.

Barun Das, known for his insightful interviews, praised Anand’s ability to remain at the top of his game for decades, not just in terms of titles but in his vision for the sport. “Viswanathan Anand has redefined chess for generations. His ability to stay ahead of trends—whether it’s training, AI, or strategy—makes him a true visionary. This conversation wasn’t just about chess; it was about the power of thinking ahead, adapting, and evolving,” Das remarked.

One of the key talking points was India’s meteoric rise in the chess world. With an increasing number of Indian players ranked among the world’s best, Anand expressed confidence in the country’s potential to dominate the sport in the coming years. He credited the growing camaraderie among Indian players as a driving force behind this success. “Having multiple strong players from India isn’t just a statistic—it’s a game-changer. The competition and mutual learning fuel progress. It’s an exciting time for Indian chess,” Anand noted.

The discussion also touched on the long-standing debate over chess being included in the Olympics. While he acknowledged that the sport’s format might not align with traditional Olympic disciplines, he expressed hope that chess could at least find recognition in the Esports Olympics, which would be a significant step toward wider acceptance.

A major highlight of the conversation was Anand’s perspective on AI’s influence on modern chess. Having witnessed the evolution of chess engines from basic calculations to today’s advanced neural networks, he emphasized that chess players must learn to adapt rather than resist technological advancements. “AI is no longer just an opponent—it’s a tool. The key is to learn how to ask the right questions instead of seeking definitive answers. That’s how players will evolve with the game,” he explained.

The discussion inevitably turned to the Nikhil Kamath controversy, where the entrepreneur had used AI-assisted gameplay to defeat Anand in a charity match, leading to widespread backlash. Anand, however, chose to downplay the incident. “Maybe from his point of view, it was just a prank, and for me, it was a charity event. It is what it is, but it would have been better had it not happened,” he said, maintaining his characteristic poise.

With Duologue now reaching the penultimate episode of its third season, this episode stands out as a thought-provoking exchange between two intellectuals, going beyond the conventional boundaries of sports discussions. It is set to offer audiences not just a glimpse into Anand’s mind but also a broader perspective on how chess, technology, and life
intersect.

Tune in to News9 on March 15, 2025, at 10 pm to watch ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ featuring Viswanathan Anand.