GV Prakash Receives a Priceless Gift From AR Rahman After National Award Win
The 71st National Film Awards in Delhi turned into a double celebration for GV Prakash. Not only did the composer win the National Award for Best Music Direction for his work on Vaathi, but he also received a deeply personal present from AR Rahman. The Oscar winner surprised his nephew with a white grand piano from Wm Knabe & Co, an instrument Rahman himself had once used.
The gift instantly struck a chord with fans and colleagues alike. For Prakash, it was nothing short of overwhelming. Sharing pictures of the piano on social media, he called it the “best gift” of his life and wrote, “What more better gift can I ask for.” The gesture, both affectionate and symbolic, spoke volumes about the bond between two generations of musicians in one family.
A Blessing for the second time �� #vaathi pic.twitter.com/26KjmEIvF6
— G.V.Prakash Kumar (@gvprakash) August 1, 2025
Marking a Career Milestone
This latest award marks Prakash’s second National Award. His first came for the background score of Soorarai Pottru (2020), a film that redefined the soundscape of mainstream Tamil cinema. With Vaathi (2023), starring Dhanush and Samyuktha, he once again showcased his flair for balancing melody with emotion, crafting songs that carried the film’s heart.
Prakash himself took to X (formerly Twitter) to describe how “overwhelmed and deeply grateful” he felt after the recognition. He made it a point to thank Dhanush, the jury, and his entire team for believing in his music and allowing him to experiment within the structure of a commercial film.
If 2023 was big, 2025 has been even busier. Prakash has already composed for Ajith’s Good Bad Ugly, Padaiyaanda Maaveeraa, and Dhanush’s Idli Kadai. His upcoming projects include Sudha Kongara’s Parasakthi, Kavin’s Mask, Soori’s Mandaadi, Venky Atluri’s untitled Suriya 46, Dhanush’s D54, Vishal’s Magudam, and Vetri Maaran’s long-delayed Vaadivaasal. With such a packed slate, the composer is clearly at a career high.
The best ever gift I recieved . @arrahman sir gifted me this beautiful white grand piano for receiving the National awards for the second time . Thanks a lot sir this means a lot . The piano used by the legend himself �� . What more better gift can I ask for �� pic.twitter.com/ieDIV0bqfS
— G.V.Prakash Kumar (@gvprakash) October 1, 2025
More Than an Instrument
Beyond the glamour of the award, Rahman’s gesture is what lingers. The piano is no ordinary piece of furniture, it is a working instrument that once helped shape Rahman’s own music. Handing it over to Prakash is both an act of encouragement and a subtle reminder of the legacy he carries.
The symbolism is hard to miss. To inherit a piano once played by Rahman is to inherit not just ivory keys but also history, discipline, and a kind of responsibility. It is a passing of the torch in tangible form. And yet, the gift is not about weight or pressure alone. It is also a blessing, an invitation for Prakash to continue carving his own sound while staying rooted in the family’s musical tradition.
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