The emotionally-charged blockbuster Baby continues to ride a wave of acclaim, now cementing its legacy with two prestigious wins at the 71st National Film Awards: Best Screenplay for director-writer Sai Rajesh, and Best Playback Singer for PVNS Rohith’s heartfelt performance of “Premistunna.” The film’s cast and crew gathered in Hyderabad to celebrate these national honors and share their gratitude and excitement.
Editor Viplav opened the event by reflecting on the journey.
“We’re thrilled about Baby winning two National Awards,” he said. “This is Sai Rajesh’s second consecutive national honor. He always believed Baby had the potential, and his words came true. I’m proud to have contributed to such a memorable project.”
Lyricist Suresh Banishetti expressed deep satisfaction:
“After writing multiple songs for Baby, I always hoped for recognition. This National Award means so much. Sai Rajesh’s vision has been widely celebrated, and I hope he goes on to win even bigger accolades in the future.”
PVNS Rohith, who won the National Award for “Premistunna,” got emotional about his journey:
“Before Baby, my career hadn’t reached the heights I wished for—songs were dropped or replaced. Singing ‘Premistunna’ was my make-or-break opportunity. Getting honored with the National Award is the greatest validation of my career so far.”
Lead actress Vaishnavi Chaitanya highlighted the film’s lasting impact:
“I’m overjoyed to be part of something so meaningful. Two years since its release, people still talk about Baby. That’s the magic of Sai Rajesh’s storytelling and SKN’s unwavering belief. Even filming ‘Premistunna’ was special; we shot scenes with painted footsteps to create a memorable sequence.”
Producer SKN offered his gratitude to the entire Telugu film industry:
“This year, Telugu cinema was recognized like never before, with nearly ten National Awards. Baby’s latest honor is another feather in our cap. Sai Rajesh’s commitment and belief in this project is the reason for its success. Baby has already collected awards from SIIMA, Filmfare, GAMA—but the National Award brings a new level of pride and responsibility.”
Hero Anand Deverakonda reflected on the film’s enduring popularity:
“Two years later, Baby is still in the conversation. Seeing ‘National Award Winner’ on our poster is surreal. Sai Rajesh now stands as a two-time National Award winner, and that reputation will inspire everything we do next. SKN’s passionate support and the unforgettable promotion made us all believe in Baby’s power.”
Producer Dheeraj Mogilineni called Baby a landmark project:
“I’ve produced many films, but Baby is special. I’m thankful to be part of it. Winning a National Award for ‘Premistunna’ is especially rewarding.”
Director Sai Rajesh closed the event, recalling the creative process and teamwork behind Baby:
“Every member of this film is a hero. For two years, this story lived in my mind as I refined every scene. When I learned Baby had won for screenplay and for ‘Premistunna,’ I was overjoyed. Composer Vijay Bulganin and lyricist Banishetti poured their hearts into the music. Rohith’s performance was unforgettable. The film’s emotional honesty connected with the audience, and that’s the real reward. SKN stood by me when few others did, and thanks to him and everyone involved, Baby will always be a film we cherish.”
As the team celebrated, they agreed on one thing: winning National Awards isn’t the end of the story—it’s a call to create even better cinema for the future.
