Who says chess stars cannot dance? Indian grandmaster Gukesh grooves to Rajinikanth's ‘Manasilayo’ in viral video

Indian chess Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju has recently delighted fans by sharing a lively video on social media, showcasing his dance moves to the new hit song "Manasilayo," featuring the iconic Rajinikanth. In a charming display, Gukesh, 18, swaps his chessboard for the dance floor, joining family and friends in a vibrant celebration. Clad in a traditional red kurta and stylish sunglasses, he enthusiastically follows the catchy dance steps of the song alongside his loved ones, all similarly dressed in festive attire.

The joyful clip concludes with Gukesh approaching the camera, flashing a broad smile and bidding farewell in a light-hearted manner. Gukesh's infectious spirit and recent accomplishments reflect not only his dedication to chess but also his ability to celebrate victories in life, whether on the chessboard or the dance floor. The young grandmaster stands as a symbol of India’s rising prominence in the global chess arena, capturing the hearts of fans both in sports and beyond.



Recognized as the second-youngest grandmaster in history, Indian chess sensation Gukesh Dommaraju solidified his place by triumphing in the 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament with an impressive score of 9 out of 14. At just 17 years old, Gukesh not only became the youngest player ever to win the Candidates but is also set to be the youngest challenger for the championship at 18, according to Chess.com.

Gukesh's journey in chess began at an early age; he earned the grandmaster title at just 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, narrowly missing Sergey Karjakin's record by just 17 days. In July 2022, he reached a live rating of 2700, making him the fourth-youngest player to achieve this milestone. By September 2023, Gukesh had ascended to the eighth position in the global rankings and was recognized as the top player in India, ending a remarkable 37-year period during which GM Viswanathan Anand held the title as India's highest-rated player.

'Manasilayo' goes viral

The song 'Manasilayo' from Rajinikanth's forthcoming movie ‘Vettaiyan' has gone viral since its release. "Vettaiyan," an anticipated action drama in the Tamil language, is helmed by director T. J. Gnanavel and produced by Lyca Productions. The film features the legendary Rajinikanth in the lead role, supported by a stellar cast that includes Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan, and Abhirami.

Gukesh's recent accomplishments

This spirited moment comes on the heels of Gukesh's remarkable success at the recent Chess Olympiad 2024, where he was a crucial member of India's triumphant men's team. This edition of the Chess Olympiad marked a historic achievement for India, as both the men's and women's teams secured gold medals simultaneously for the first time. Their double gold accomplishment places India among an elite group of nations in chess history.

After the tournament, Gukesh expressed his elation over the gold medal win, describing it as one of the finest performances of his young career. He reflected on the challenges of the tournament, emphasizing how proud he felt to contribute to his team's success. The 18-year-old grandmaster also spoke fondly about a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the honor of meeting the Prime Minister despite his hectic schedule.