Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag was on Wednesday (September 16) chosen for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2024.
A statement from the Press Information Bureau (PIB) said Nag would be conferred with the award for his contribution to Indian cinema and an illustrious cinematic journey that has inspired generations.
Nag has acted in over 300 films
“On the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee, the Government of India is pleased to announce that the Actor will be conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 for his contribution to Indian cinema and an illustrious cinematic journey that has inspired generations,” the statement posted on X (Formerly Twitter) said.
Also read: How a centuries-old song is travelling from Golconda to Cannes and Toronto
The award will be presented at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on September 22 in Kevadia, Gujarat.
Nag is the third person after legendary actor Dr. Rajkumar (1995) and legendary cinematographer VK Murthy (2008) from Karnataka to be chosen for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honour in cinema.
The 78-year-old Nag has acted in over 300 films since his debut movie sankalpa in 1973. He has acted in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, and Marathi movies. Ankur was his first Hindi feature film.
Cinema to politics
Some of Nag's Kannada hits include Bayalu Dari, Na Ninna Bidalare, Minchina Ota, Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shale Kasaragodu, Gouri Ganesha, Onlyand others. He also acted in Malgudi Days TV series with his brother Shankar Nag, based on the stories of RK Narayan.
In 2025, Nag was conferred with Padma Bhushan. He has been awarded the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award for a biographical book on his late brother, Karnataka State Lifetime Achievement Award and an Honorary Doctorate from Bangalore University (North).
His immense talent has been recognised with multiple accolades, including five Karnataka State Best Actor Awards and five Filmfare Awards. In 2023, he marked 50 years in cinema, celebrating a glorious Golden Jubilee in his career.
As a politician, Anant served as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council (MLC) from 1988 to 1994. He was a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from 1994-1999, when he held office as Minister of State for Bangalore City Development.
Anant spent the first 12 of his formative years at Anandashram, an Ashram in Kasargode district founded by Swami Ramdas and Mataji Krishna Bai, and at Shri Chitrapur Math in Shirali, where Swami Anandashram was the Mathadhipati.
PM Modi hails Nag
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Nag and hailed his contributions to Indian cinema, particularly Kannada films.
“Congratulations to the legendary Anant Nag Ji on being conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. For several decades, his effortless performances, remarkable versatility and brilliance have left a very strong mark on Indian cinema, particularly Kannada cinema. In whichever role he has played, he brought rare depth and authenticity. This is indeed a richly deserved honour for a truly distinguished artist,” he wrote on X.