Happy birthday! Viswanathan Anand turns 56 today

Viswanathan Anand is celebrating his 56th birthday today. As a number of online tributes attest, he is one of the most acclaimed chess grandmasters of his generation.

Popular chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand has always liked to keep a bit of himself hidden from view. At 56th birthday, he remains a man of many facets.

Anand, a cultural icon

Born in Mayiladuthurai on December 11, 1969, Viswanathan Anand's career spans an arc over many different eras and tastes in Indian history. Anand's not just a great chess grandmaster, he's an inspiration, an icon and a successful business man. At this point in his career, there seems to be little Viswanathan hasn't done.

And we've got a feeling the next 12 months are going to be even bigger and better for Viswanathan Anand as he promises more to come. After all, he's only 56.

Happy Birthday, Viswanathan, you're the best!

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