Veteran Kannada Actor Anant Nag to Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024

Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag will be honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 for his contribution to Indian cinema and a career spanning more than five decades. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the honour on September 16. The award will be presented at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22, 2026.

The recognition comes in acknowledgement of Nag’s extensive contribution to Indian cinema and his long-standing association with Kannada films. Over the course of his career, he has worked across a wide range of genres and characters, establishing a distinctive presence through his natural and versatile acting style.

Nag’s filmography includes acclaimed works such as Minchina Ota, Hamsageethe, Ankur and Manthan. He has also been associated with popular productions including Malgudi Days, Ganeshana Maduve and Gauri Ganesha. His body of work extends to more than 250 films, according to Akashvani News.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest national honour in Indian cinema and recognises significant contributions to the growth and development of the film industry. The government said Nag’s award acknowledges his illustrious cinematic journey and his contribution to enriching India’s cultural landscape.

News of the award was welcomed by several political and film-industry figures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Nag, highlighting his versatility and the depth and authenticity he has brought to his performances over several decades. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State L. Murugan also extended their congratulations to the veteran actor.

Nag has expressed happiness and gratitude following the announcement. The honour places his decades-long contribution to Kannada cinema and Indian filmmaking in the national spotlight. The presentation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award will form part of the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on September 22. The event will mark another major recognition for an actor whose career has encompassed mainstream cinema, serious drama, comedy and television.