Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag has been named the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024, India’s highest honour in cinema. The Government of India announced the news on September 16, 2026, through the Press Information Bureau. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the actor on X, calling him a “legendary” artist. The award will be presented at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on September 22, 2026, in Kevadia, Gujarat.
A Five-Decade Journey in Indian Cinema
Anant Nag was born on September 4, 1948, in Karnataka. He made his acting debut in the 1973 Kannada film Sankalpa. A year later, he entered Hindi cinema with Shyam Benegal’s Ankur. Over a career spanning more than 50 years, he has appeared in over 300 films across Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Marathi, and English.
His filmography includes acclaimed titles like Bayalu Daari (1976), Kanneshwara Rama (1977), Minchina Ota (1980), Ganeshana Maduve (1990), and the recent blockbuster K.G.F: Chapter 1 (2018). Television audiences also remember him for the Doordarshan series Malgudi Days, based on R.K. Narayan’s stories, directed by his brother Shankar Nag.
PM Modi Leads Congratulations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his congratulations on X shortly after the announcement.
“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.” — Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India
The Press Information Bureau also shared the announcement on its official X handle.
“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.” — Press Information Bureau
Anant Nag Reacts: “I Dedicate This to Kannadigas”
The news came as a surprise to Anant Nag. Speaking to media after the announcement, he said he was caught off guard by the congratulatory calls and the Prime Minister’s message.
“Just as the people of Karnataka campaigned and celebrated for me earlier, this honour belongs to them. I dedicate this award to Kannadigas and Karnataka.” — Anant Nag
He also spoke about his early days in theatre and his respect for Dr. Rajkumar, the first Kannada actor to receive the Phalke Award in 1995.
“To me, Rajkumar sir was like a giant vessel navigating that vast ocean. I was merely a small wooden boat trying to find its path. Today, this honour has come to me after him. I bow to him and accept it with utmost respect.” — Anant Nag
Nag also credited theatre mentors, directors, producers, and co-stars for shaping his career.
Industry and Political Leaders React
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar called the award a moment of pride for the state.
“It is a moment of immense pride and joy for all Kannadigas that Sri Anant Nag, the pride and legendary actor of Kannada cinema, has been honored with the ‘Dadasaheb Phalke Award – 2024’, the highest honor in Indian cinema.” — D.K. Shivakumar, Chief Minister of Karnataka
Filmmaker and actor Rishab Shetty, who directed Anant Nag in Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu, shared his thoughts.
“If you compile a list of the top ten actors across the history of Indian cinema, Anant sir will effortlessly stand right there as one of the finest.” — Rishab Shetty
A Career That Crossed Borders and Generations
Anant Nag is only the second Kannada artist to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, after Dr. Rajkumar in 1995. He emerged as a key figure in India’s parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s, working in films like Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, and Bhumika.
Outside cinema, Nag served as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council from 1988 to 1994 and as an MLA from 1994 to 1999. He also held the role of Minister of State for Bangalore City Development.
In 2025, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award. His other recognitions include five Filmfare Awards South, five Karnataka State Film Awards, the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award, and the Karnataka State Lifetime Achievement Award.
What Is the Dadasaheb Phalke Award?
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award was instituted in 1969 to honour Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, the director of India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra (1913). The award recognises “outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.” It includes a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹10 lakh. The first recipient was Devika Rani in 1969. Past winners include Satyajit Ray, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Lata Mangeshkar, and Mohanlal, who received the award for 2023.
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When and Where to Watch the Ceremony
The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony will take place on September 22, 2026, at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat. President Droupadi Murmu will present the awards. The event will be broadcast on Doordarshan and streamed on its official digital platforms. For global audiences in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and India, live coverage will be available through DD India and the Press Information Bureau’s social media channels. The National Film Awards were delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which is why the 2024 award is being announced in 2026.
Also Read: Anant Nag Wins Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024, PM Modi Congratulates
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