Veteran star Anant Nag crowned with Dadasaheb Phalke Award; Modi sends heartfelt congratulations

Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag will receive India’s highest cinematic honour, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on 22 September 2026 in Kevadia, Gujarat. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the award on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, noting Nag’s “lifetime of cinematic excellence” and his “outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.” The award will be presented in a ceremony that celebrates the country’s best film talent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to social media to congratulate the legendary actor. He praised Nag’s “effortless performances, remarkable versatility and brilliance,” highlighting how the veteran’s work has left a lasting mark on Indian, particularly Kannada, cinema. Modi’s message underscored that the honour was “richly deserved” for a “truly distinguished artist.”

Born on 4 September 1948, Nag’s career spans more than five decades and over 300 films, including more than 250 Kannada titles. He debuted in the Kannada film Sankalp (1973) and appeared in Shyam Benegal’s Ankur (1974) as his first Hindi role. His television work includes the iconic Doordarshan series Malgudi Days. Nag has earned five Karnataka State Best Actor Awards, five Filmfare Awards, and was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2025 for his contribution to Indian cinema.

Notable films in Nag’s filmography include Bayalu Daari (1976), Benkiya Bale (1983), Mungaru Male (2006), Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu (2016), KGF: Chapter 1 (2018), KGF: Chapter 2 (2022), and Gaalipata 2 (2022). He celebrated his 50th year in the industry in 2023. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, instituted by the Government of India, is presented annually as part of the National Film Awards and is regarded as the country’s highest honour in cinema.

Vibha Maru, Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times Entertainment, based in Delhi, reported the news. With a decade of experience covering Bollywood, Hollywood, and web shows, Maru is a self‑confessed cinephile who often sacrifices sleep binge‑watching films.