Bhakti Kulkarni, the only World Grandmaster of Goa talks to The Goan about her game and her personal life
The Goan: Has the World Grandmaster (WGM) title changedthings around you?
Bhakti Kulkarni: People have realised that suddenly Goa hasgot the highest title in the field of chess. I received many congratulatorymessages for achieving this feat. I was felicitated by the Goa ChessAssociation. People feel that I am somebody special but I am the same Bhaktiwithin.
TG: Who do you look up to for inspiration?
BK: My role models in chess are World champions GaryKasparov and Anatoly Karpov. Kasparov is considered a great attacking playerwhereas Karpov is a great defender. I would like to imbibe both thesequalities. Outside chess I admire the generosity of the Dempo family and DilipSalgaocar. All of them are encouraging chess players though chess is not aspopular as cricket or football in Goa. Very few people know about my teacherSir Gokhale who sponsors deserving students for international tournaments. Iwish I have the same attitude when I’m self-sufficient.
TG: Any memorable incident that happened during yourtournaments?
BK: I lost my bag on way to China on Delhi Airport. So Ireached Beijing with only my laptop. I did not allow this to rattle me and wona Gold in Asian Under-18 Championship.
TG: According to you, how can Goa have more players doingwell in chess? What can be done to improve the situation?
BK: My coach Dronacharya Sir Gokhale says that Goans arepeople with high IQ. The only thing our upcoming players need to excel is somesupport from the government and corporate houses. If that happens, we candefinitely be better than Tamil Nadu which has the highest number of chessplayers right now.
TG: How do you work on your game?
BK: There are many ups and down in every player's life. Ibelieve that tough times never last; tough players always do! Accordingly, Iwork hard and come back glorious despite defeat.
TG: What is your taste in movies?
BK: I like watchingHindi movies, particularly old classics.
TG: What kind of books do you like to read?
BK: I like self-help books, fiction and of course, chessbooks!
TG: Food that you can’t resist?
BK: There is no substitute for my mother's home-cooked foodbut I like North Indian, Goan and oriental cuisine.
TG: Which is the most beautiful part of the world you havetravelled to? What makes it beautiful for you?
BK: I like Singapore the best because it has transformeditself from an unclean place to a beautiful city. You get good Indian foodthere. Also, I had won World School Gold there. So it has special place in myheart.
TG: How do you like to spend your free time?
BK: I spend my time catching up with my studies or going tomovies with my friends. I also prefer spending time reading books and listeningto music.
TG: What kind of music do you listen to?
BK: I like to listen to instrumental music by Brian Sillas.
