Overview
- Rao was presented the Best Female Playback Singer award at the 71st National Film Awards by President Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
- The award recognises her rendition of 'Chaleya' from Jawan (2023), a track she described as a special collaboration that included composer Anirudh Ravichander.
- Following the ceremony, she traveled home, where Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren felicitated her in Ranchi as she dedicated the honour to the state.
- She said lasting success comes from working hard every day rather than relying on one or two songs, crediting a strong support system for her career.
- On technology in music, she said tools including AI can streamline production while the question of replacing people remains a different debate.