Viswanathan Anand is an Indian chess grandmaster and former World Chess Champion. Born on December 11, 1969, in Chennai, India, he became the first Indian to achieve the title of grandmaster in 1988. Anand is known for his rapid playing style and deep understanding of the game, which has earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. Anand has won the World Chess Championship multiple times, first in 2000 and then again in 2007, 2008, and 2010. He has also been a key figure in popularizing chess in India, inspiring many young players. His contributions to the game have made him a prominent figure in the world of chess.