Viswanathan
In a surprising turn from his father’s legendary legacy in the game of kings, Viswanathan Anand’s son, Aryan Anand, has carved out a unique identity for himself—not on the black and white squares of the chessboard, but across a canvas bursting with colour and creativity. While his father is a five-time World Chess Champion and one of India’s most celebrated sports icons, Aryan is quickly becoming known as a young maestro of the art world, earning the nickname: “Grandmaster of Colours.”
In a recent interview that has since gone viral, Aryan Anand spoke candidly about his journey, passion for art, and what it’s like growing up in the shadow of one of India’s greatest chess players.
A Different Game: From Checkmates to Colour Palettes
Unlike many children of sports legends who attempt to follow in their parent’s footsteps, Aryan Anand had a different path in mind from an early age. “I have immense respect for my father and love watching him play,” Aryan said during the interview, “but my mind was never on chess pieces—it was on shapes, forms, and colour combinations.”
His parents noticed his talent early on. As young as five, Aryan was drawing with a sense of perspective and technique that surprised even professional artists. By age ten, he was already exhibiting his work at local galleries. Today, at just 13, he has been invited to display his pieces at international youth art festivals, and some of his work is already being sold to private collectors.
Art as Meditation
When asked about what art means to him, Aryan answered with a maturity far beyond his years. “For me, art is meditation. Just like my father says about chess, I feel a deep silence and focus when I paint. It’s where I find my balance.”
Aryan works in multiple mediums—oil, acrylic, watercolour, and even digital platforms—and his style ranges from abstract expressionism to intricate nature-inspired themes. Interestingly, a recurring motif in many of his paintings is the chessboard, albeit broken or melting into vibrant patterns, perhaps reflecting his subconscious connection with his father’s legacy.
A Father’s Pride, A Son’s Path
Viswanathan Anand himself has spoken about his son’s talent on various occasions. “Aryan’s world is full of colour, and mine is black and white. But there’s a similar depth in both,” he said with a smile. “I’m proud that he’s found something he truly loves and pursues it with discipline—whether it’s on the board or on the canvas, passion and focus are what matter.”
Anand also shared how he ensures Aryan’s life remains grounded. “We don’t push him into competitions. He’s free to explore. We celebrate his art as a process, not just the outcome.”
Social Media Star & Youth Icon
Aryan’s Instagram art page, handled partially by his mother Aruna Anand, has more than 200,000 followers. His unique combination of modern techniques with traditional Indian motifs has caught the attention of global art curators. Several international publications have featured him as one of the “young artists to watch” in the coming years.
His online presence isn’t just about his art—Aryan uses his platform to talk about mental health, creativity in academics, and balancing screen time with creativity. He often posts “art challenges” to engage children his age and encourages followers to express themselves through colours rather than words.
Future Plans: Beyond the Canvas
When asked about his dreams, Aryan was humble and clear: “I just want to keep painting. I might explore animation, or even try to combine art and artificial intelligence someday.” He added with a laugh, “But chess will always be in the house, so maybe I’ll paint my version of Dad’s greatest matches!”
He’s currently working on a special collection inspired by Chennai, the city he calls home. The collection will showcase Chennai’s temples, beaches, street life, and festivals through the lens of a child artist.
Conclusion: A New Grandmaster Emerges
While Viswanathan Anand gave India a new identity on the global chessboard, it seems Aryan Anand is doing the same in the global art community. With his creative spark, disciplined mindset, and emotional maturity, he has proven that greatness doesn’t always have to follow the same path. Sometimes, it flows from the tip of a brush, turning blank canvases into worlds of wonder.
Thanks For Reading