GV Prakash Kumar is currently experiencing a surge of joy and gratitude after receiving a special gift from A.R. Rahman following his second National Award win at the 71st National Film Awards. The Oscar-winning Rahman gifted GV Prakash a white grand piano from Wm Knabe & Co. The piano's value is heightened because Rahman himself used it.

GV Prakash shared photos of the piano on his social media, expressing his happiness and gratitude. He described the instrument as the "best gift" he had ever received and stated, "What more better gift can I ask for".

This National Award recognizes GV Prakash for Best Music Direction for his songs in the Tamil-Telugu bilingual film Vaathi, which stars Dhanush and Samyuktha. Vaathi, also released in Telugu as SIR, addresses the commercialization of education.

This marks GV Prakash's second National Award. He previously won for his background score in Soorarai Pottru (2020), which starred Suriya and Aparna Balamurali. GV Prakash expressed that he was "truly overwhelmed and deeply grateful" to win the award and thanked Dhanush, the jury, the selection committee, and the entire Vaathi team. He also dedicated the award to his fans who have supported him for 20 years.

GV Prakash comes from a musically inclined family; A. R. Rahman is his uncle. GV Prakash began his music career with the critically acclaimed Veyil and rose to prominence in the Tamil film industry in the early 2010s. He expanded his artistic endeavors in 2015 by making his acting debut in the horror-comedy Darling. Over the years, he has also been awarded three Filmfare Awards and three SIIMA Awards.

In addition to this recent recognition, GV Prakash has a busy schedule ahead. This year, he has composed music for three films: 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.

The 71st National Film Awards, which honor films and performances across India released in 2023, were announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The awards ceremony had been postponed for a few years due to the coronavirus pandemic. At this year's awards, Parking, directed by Ramkumar Balakrishnan, also won Best Tamil Film.