Anant Nag is finally getting Indian cinema’s biggest honour after five decades on screen

Highlights

• Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag will receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024.
• The honor will be presented at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on September 22.
• Nag has appeared in more than 300 films across several Indian languages.

After more than five decades in Indian cinema, veteran actor Anant Nag is set to receive one of the country’s highest honors for his contribution to the film industry.

The Government of India announced on Wednesday that Nag has been selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024, recognizing his extensive career and contribution to Indian cinema.

Anant Nag’s biggest career honor

The award will be presented to Nag at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22, 2026.

The Press Information Bureau said the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee recommended Nag for the honor, citing his “illustrious cinematic journey” and contribution to Indian cinema.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the actor, highlighting his versatility and his contribution to Kannada cinema.

“Congratulations to the legendary Anant Nag Ji on being conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award,” Modi wrote on X. He praised Nag for bringing “depth and authenticity” to the roles he has played throughout his career.

A career spanning more than 300 films

Born Anant Nagarkatte on September 4, 1948, Nag is one of the best-known names in Kannada cinema.

Over the course of his career, he has acted in more than 300 films, including more than 250 Kannada-language movies. His filmography also includes projects in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam and English.

Beyond the big screen, Nag is also known for his television work. He appeared in Malgudi Days, the popular Doordarshan series based on the stories of author R.K. Narayan.

His career has brought him five Karnataka State Film Awards. In 2025, he was also awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor.

A major recognition for a Kannada cinema icon

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is regarded as India's highest honor in cinema. It is presented to an individual for an outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.

For Nag, the award adds another major distinction to a career that has crossed languages and generations, while remaining closely associated with Kannada cinema.

The veteran actor will formally receive the honor when the National Film Awards ceremony takes place in Gujarat on September 22.