Yes. Success doesn't go to his head. How does one get the idea that one is better than the other? Somebody has to instigate it. Usually this pompousness comes because somebody pumps it up. But there is nobody to pump him up. And, by nature, he is a humble person. So he has remained humble, and we are proud of it.

I must say that he had a very happy childhood. That is one important factor for every family. A happy childhood is very essential for every child. He was surrounded by his parents and brother and sister. When a person grows in an atmosphere of love, he blossoms. There should be no hatred in a child's life.

As a father, which is sweeter for you: when he became World champion first or now?

Every championship is sweet. There is nothing that can be described as sweeter and sweetest. That is because it is an outstanding merit. One doesn't attain a World championship by just playing dice. So, it is hard work, sincerity and love for the game that got him this far.

Whatever format he has had to play, he has proved himself. He is now the King in the world.

This time, he had a very long, special preparation. Did he talk to you about that?

As far as his profession is concerned, we are not competent to talk to him. No doubt his mother has given him his earlier coaching, but now his level is so high that we are not in a position to advise him on anything. There is not even an iota of our interference from our side on his professional life.

Image: Grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik and World Champion Viswanathan Anand concentrate during their match on October 17, 2008 in Bonn, Germany.

Photograph: Getty Images

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