Indian Chess Star D Gukesh Dances to Rajinikanth's 'Manasilayo' in Viral Video

Akash Deep -

Indian chess Grandmaster D Gukesh has captured the hearts of many with his latest viral video, where he is seen dancing to Rajinikanth's popular song 'Manasilayo'. The 18-year-old chess star, known for his exceptional skills on the chessboard, showcased his dancing talents in a video shared on social media.

The Dance Video

In the video, Gukesh is dressed in a red kurta and 'veshti', traditional Indian attire, and is sporting sunglasses. He is seen grooving to the song's hook steps along with his family and friends, who are also dressed in similar traditional outfits. The video ends with Gukesh walking up to the camera, smiling, and signing off with the caption 'Manasilayo...with my family friends!'

Recent Achievements

Gukesh's dance video comes after his remarkable performance at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where he played a pivotal role in India's historic first-ever gold medal win in the men's division. He won 9 out of his 10 games on the top board, securing an individual gold medal and guiding the Indian team to the top spot.

This success is just the latest in a series of impressive achievements for Gukesh. In April 2024, he won the FIDE Candidates Tournament, becoming the youngest challenger for the world title at the age of 17. He is set to face Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren at the upcoming World Championship in Singapore from November 20 to December 15, with a prize fund of USD 2.50 million.

Celebrations and Recognition

Following his triumph at the Chess Olympiad, Gukesh received a hero's welcome upon his arrival in Chennai. He then flew to New Delhi to join his teammates at a felicitation ceremony hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 26.

Gukesh's performance has propelled him into the world top 20 and made him the second-highest-rated Indian player behind chess legend Viswanathan Anand. His achievements have not only highlighted his chess prowess but also shown that even chess stars can have a fun and expressive side.