In the world of chess, we often see young prodigies rise to the limelight, but what’s usually hidden is the enormous effort, sacrifice, and mental resilience it takes to get there – not just from the players themselves but also from those around them. In this incredibly heartfelt episode of #BeyondtheBoard, we are taken behind the scenes of the meteoric rise of Grandmaster D Gukesh, through the eyes of two key figures: his father, Dr. Rajinikanth, and his former coach and mentor, GM Vishnu Prasanna.
The Early Days: A Seed is Planted
Dr. Rajinikanth recalls how Gukesh’s journey began quite organically. He wasn’t someone who deliberately planned a chess career for his son; in fact, he stumbled into it almost by accident. Gukesh had picked up a toy chessboard around the age of six and started showing interest. There was no initial grand plan – just a father trying to support his son’s curiosity. But what began as play quickly evolved into passion.
“There was no plan. It just happened. He was just playing with a toy chessboard and showed interest. We just supported it.”
What struck him early was Gukesh’s deep engagement. Even when the family had little understanding of the professional chess world, the spark in Gukesh’s eye and his eagerness to learn stood out. Still, Dr. Rajinikanth admits, “We didn’t know anything about tournaments or coaching. We were just going with the flow.”
Parental Sacrifice: A Life Reimagined
Dr. Rajinikanth, a practicing ENT surgeon, made one of the most consequential decisions of his life—stepping back from his medical career to support Gukesh full-time. This wasn’t a calculated risk—it was instinctive, driven by love and trust.
“I just thought, this is what he needs. I didn’t think too much. I stopped my practice, and we just went ahead with chess.”
This shift came with its own challenges. Financial stability took a hit, and the logistics of constant travel and training were intense. But Rajinikanth was never one to show stress at home. He kept things light-hearted around Gukesh, making sure that the child never internalized the pressure of expectations or sacrifices made.
He reflects, “The child should not feel the pressure. That’s the most important thing. I never told him, ‘I’m doing this for you.’ That spoils the atmosphere.”
The Role of a Coach: GM Vishnu’s Perspective
GM Vishnu Prasanna joined Gukesh’s journey when the boy was still early in his competitive years. From the beginning, he noticed something unique – not just in Gukesh’s chess mind, but in his emotional strength.
“He had an unbelievable ability to bounce back. That’s not something you can teach easily,” Vishnu notes.
Their training went far beyond moves and strategies. It focused on discipline, independent thinking, and emotional maturity. Vishnu was not just a coach—he was a mentor and a pillar in Gukesh’s journey. And what made it all work was the respect and clarity between the coach and the father.
Dr. Rajinikanth never interfered with the technical aspects. He trusted Vishnu completely. “I didn’t even know what openings he was preparing,” he says with a smile, emphasizing the trust that allowed Vishnu to guide Gukesh with freedom.
Handling Pressure: The Psychological Game
Both guests emphasized how crucial psychological stability is in elite chess. Rajinikanth made it a mission to shield Gukesh from emotional turbulence.
“Even when I was nervous, I never let it show. I used to just sit calmly. If I get tense, it will affect him.”
This stoic and centered approach helped Gukesh maintain composure under pressure. Vishnu adds that this mental balance was part of the foundation they built together. It wasn’t about motivating the child with fear or pressure; it was about maintaining a secure, neutral, and supportive environment.
The Transition: Moving On from Vishnu
When the time came for Gukesh to explore new paths, it marked the end of his formal coaching relationship with Vishnu. But it wasn’t an abrupt goodbye – it was a respectful and natural evolution.
Dr. Rajinikanth gets visibly emotional when he talks about it. “It was very difficult for me. He had become a part of our family. But I had to accept that this was for Gukesh’s growth.”
He admits it took time to process, but there were no hard feelings – only gratitude. Vishnu, too, speaks with warmth and pride. Their journey had reached a point where the student needed new experiences, and both mentor and father accepted that with grace.
The Present and Future: Staying Grounded
Despite his rise to the top, Gukesh remains grounded. Dr. Rajinikanth ensures that their family values haven’t changed. “We are still the same people. He is still the same boy who loves chess,” he says with quiet pride.
He leaves other parents with this reflection: “Don’t push the child. Just observe what they love and support them. That’s all.”
Whether you’re a chess parent, a player, or a coach, the conversation with Dr. Rajinikanth and GM Vishnu Prasanna offers timeless insights into what it really takes to go beyond the board.
