New Delhi: Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag has been selected for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema and his distinguished career spanning more than five decades.
The announcement was made by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Wednesday. The Government of India said the decision was based on the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee.
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.
Government honours Anant Nag’s contribution
Announcing the award, the PIB said the government was pleased to confer the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 on Anant Nag for his contribution to Indian cinema and an illustrious cinematic journey that has inspired generations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the veteran actor. Sharing a message on X, Modi praised Nag’s effortless performances, versatility and contribution to Indian cinema, particularly Kannada cinema.
Modi said Nag had brought depth and authenticity to the roles he portrayed and described the honour as recognition of his distinguished artistic career.
A career spanning more than five decades
Born Anant Nagarkatte on September 4, 1948, Anant Nag is regarded as one of the most respected actors in Kannada cinema.
Over the course of his career, he has acted in more than 300 films, including over 250 Kannada films. His filmography also includes productions in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam and English.
Nag began his artistic journey through theatre before establishing himself as a prominent screen actor. His work has covered a wide range of genres and characters, helping him build a reputation for versatility and understated performances.
His contribution also extended to India’s parallel cinema movement. He worked with acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal in films including Ankur, Nishant, Manthan and Kondura.
Association with Malgudi Days
Anant Nag’s work is not limited to cinema. He also appeared in the popular Doordarshan television series Malgudi Days, based on the stories of celebrated writer R K Narayan.
The series, directed by his brother Shankar Nag, became one of the most remembered television productions of its era and reached audiences across India.
Nag’s presence across cinema and television further established his versatility as a performer.
Padma Bhushan recognition
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award comes a year after another major national honour for Anant Nag.
In 2025, he was conferred the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, by the Government of India for his contribution to the field of Art.
The veteran actor has also received five Karnataka State Film Awards during his illustrious career.
His long association with Kannada cinema has seen him portray protagonists, supporting characters and complex roles across generations of filmmakers and changing phases of the industry.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is regarded as India’s highest honour in cinema. It is presented annually to an individual for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
The award is named after Dadasaheb Phalke, widely regarded as the father of Indian cinema. It recognises a sustained contribution to the country’s film industry rather than a single performance or film.
Anant Nag will receive the honour for 2024 at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia on September 22, adding another significant national recognition to a career that has remained closely associated with Kannada cinema.
A landmark recognition for Kannada cinema
The honour marks another important milestone in Anant Nag’s career and places the veteran Kannada actor among the distinguished recipients of India’s highest cinematic recognition.
With more than five decades of work across films, television and theatre, Nag’s career has spanned multiple generations of Indian cinema. His Dadasaheb Phalke Award now adds the country’s premier cinema honour to a list of major recognitions that includes the Padma Bhushan and five Karnataka State Film Awards.