After more than five decades of memorable performances, veteran actor Anant Nag is set to add one of Indian cinema’s highest honours, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024.
The award will be presented to Anant Nag at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony, scheduled to be held in Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22, 2026.
Sharing the announcement on X on Wednesday, September 16, Press Information Bureau (PIB) India said, “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.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the actor on the recognition.
In a post on X, Modi wrote, “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 (sic).”
Anant Nag, one of the most prominent actors in Kannada cinema, has had a career spanning nearly five decades and has acted in more than 300 films. More than 200 of these are Kannada films, while he has also worked in Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Malayalam and English productions.
He emerged as a prominent actor in India’s parallel cinema movement in the 1970s. Some of his early critically acclaimed films were directed by filmmaker Shyam Benegal, including Ankur, Nishant, Bhumika and Kondura.
Known for his natural acting style and understated screen presence, Anant Nag went on to work across both mainstream and parallel cinema. Bayalu Daari, Accident, Benkiya Bale and Naa Ninna Bidalare and Chandanada Gombe in the 70s and 80s ensure his success in mainstream films. He also garnered appreciation for his comedic roles in Ganeshana Maduve, Hendthige Helbedi, Gowri Ganesha and Golmaal Radhakrishna.
He also gained recognition among television audiences through Malgudi Days, the television adaptation of RK Narayan’s stories directed by his younger brother Shankar Nag. The 78-year old actor has continued to act in movies, exploring various roles. In 2016, he starred in Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu, a film where he played the role of a man suffering from Alzhiemer's disease.
Anant Nag has also been associated with public life in Karnataka and has served as a politician.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest honour given to an individual for their contribution to Indian cinema. Nag was also previously honoured with the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards.