Anant Nag’s remarkable journey through Indian cinema is set to receive one of its highest honours. The veteran actor has been chosen for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024, recognising his contribution to Indian cinema and a career that has stretched across more than five decades. The Government of India announced the honour on September 16, with the award scheduled to be presented at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22, 2026.
For Kannada cinema, the recognition carries particular significance because Nag has spent much of his career moving comfortably between mainstream films, parallel cinema, television and productions in several Indian languages. His filmography includes more than 300 films, while his work has reached audiences through Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil and Marathi cinema. The award therefore arrives not simply as a celebration of a veteran performer, but as recognition of a career that has crossed regional and linguistic boundaries.
Anant Nag’s five-decade journey
Nag began his film career with the Kannada film Sankalpa in 1973 before making his Hindi debut with Ankur in 1974. His early association with theatre helped shape an acting style that eventually became one of his defining strengths, particularly in films where understated performances carried much of the emotional weight. Over the following decades, he built a body of work that allowed him to move between character-driven cinema and more mainstream storytelling.
His television work also introduced him to audiences beyond the cinema hall. One of his best-known television appearances came through Malgudi Days, the celebrated series based on R.K. Narayan’s fictional town and stories. His screen career has continued across generations, giving younger audiences opportunities to discover an actor whose work began long before the current era of pan-Indian cinema.
The Government of India said the award recognises Nag’s contribution to the development and growth of Indian cinema and his illustrious cinematic journey. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award itself was instituted in 1969 in memory of Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, better known as Dadasaheb Phalke, whose Raja Harishchandra is regarded as India’s first full-length feature film.
Awards, Malgudi Days and cinema legacy
Nag’s career already includes an extensive collection of major honours. He has won five Filmfare Awards and five Karnataka State Best Actor Awards, in addition to recognitions including the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award and Karnataka State Lifetime Achievement Award. He also received the Padma Bhushan in 2025, adding one of India’s highest civilian honours to an already distinguished career.
What makes Nag’s career particularly notable is the range of spaces he has occupied within Indian entertainment. He was not restricted to one language, one genre or one kind of character, and his filmography reflects the changing nature of Indian cinema over several decades. From Kannada productions to Hindi films and television, his career provides a useful snapshot of how regional performers could build national recognition without leaving their cinematic roots behind.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award places Nag alongside some of the most influential names in Indian film history. Previous recipients have included Satyajit Ray, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Mrinal Sen, Shyam Benegal, Tapan Sinha, Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip Kumar, Rajinikanth, Waheeda Rehman, Mohanlal, Rajkumar, Sivaji Ganesan, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Manna Dey and Bhupen Hazarika.
For Kannada cinema, the honour also connects Nag with the legacy of Dr. Rajkumar, who became the first Kannada actor to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Nag is now the second Kannada artist to receive the prestigious recognition, more than three decades after Rajkumar’s win.
PM Modi congratulates the veteran actor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Nag following the announcement. In a message shared on X, Modi highlighted the actor’s contribution to Indian cinema and particularly to Kannada cinema, while praising the versatility that has defined Nag’s career.
“Congratulations to the legendary Anant Nag Ji on being conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award,” Modi wrote. “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.”
The timing of the ceremony adds another layer to the announcement. The 72nd National Film Awards will be presented by the President of India on September 22 at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat, with the ceremony recognising achievements in Indian cinema for 2024.
For Nag, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award marks the latest chapter in a career that has already crossed the five-decade mark. It also gives Indian cinema an opportunity to recognise an actor whose work has travelled across languages and generations while remaining closely associated with Kannada cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Anant Nag receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award?
Anant Nag is receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema and his illustrious career spanning more than five decades. The Government of India announced the decision following the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee.
When will Anant Nag receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award?
The award will be presented on September 22, 2026, during the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat.
How many films has Anant Nag appeared in?
Anant Nag has appeared in more than 300 films across multiple Indian languages, including Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil and Marathi.
Which was Anant Nag’s debut film?
Anant Nag made his Kannada film debut with Sankalpa in 1973. He subsequently made his Hindi film debut with Ankur in 1974.
Was Anant Nag part of Malgudi Days?
Yes. Nag also has notable television credits, including the widely remembered series Malgudi Days, based on the works of R.K. Narayan.
Which other major honour did Anant Nag receive recently?
Nag was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2025, one of India’s highest civilian honours.
