Veteran actor Anant Nag will be honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, recognising his more than five-decade contribution to Indian cinema. The Government of India announced the honour on September 16, 2026, following the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee. The award will be presented during the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on September 22, 2026, at Kevadia, Gujarat.
Anant Nag Chosen for Dadasaheb Phalke Award
The government said the award acknowledges Anant Nag’s outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema and his extensive cinematic journey. Over more than five decades, the actor has worked across multiple Indian-language film industries and portrayed a wide range of characters.
The announcement places Anant Nag among the distinguished recipients of India’s highest cinema honour, which recognises exceptional contributions to the development and growth of Indian cinema.
Five Decades of Versatile Acting
Born on September 4, 1948, in Karnataka, Anant Nag began his acting career with the Kannada film Sankalp. He later made his Hindi-film debut with Ankur, establishing a career that would extend across several decades.
According to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Nag has appeared in more than 300 films in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil and Marathi cinema. His body of work has included films and television productions that have reached audiences across India, with Malgudi Days among his notable works.
His ability to work across languages and genres has been a defining feature of his career. His performances have contributed to the broader recognition of regional cinema while also connecting audiences across different linguistic traditions.
Anant Nag’s Major Awards and Recognition
Over the course of his career, Anant Nag has received several major honours. The government said he has won five Filmfare Awards and five Karnataka State Best Actor Awards.
He has also received the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award and Karnataka State Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, Bangalore University (North) has conferred an Honorary Doctorate on the veteran actor.
In 2023, Anant Nag marked the golden jubilee of his career in cinema, completing 50 years in an industry in which he has remained active across generations.
From Cinema to Public Life
Anant Nag’s public career has also extended beyond the film industry. He served as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council from 1988 to 1994 and later as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from 1994 to 1999.
During his tenure in public life, he served as Minister of State for Bangalore City Development. His career therefore spans cinema as well as public service in Karnataka.
The Government of India also conferred the Padma Bhushan on Anant Nag in 2025, adding another major national honour to his long list of recognitions.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award to Be Presented in Kevadia
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 will be formally presented to Anant Nag at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22, 2026.
The award is named after Dadasaheb Phalke, widely associated with the beginnings of Indian feature filmmaking. The Government of India instituted the award in 1969, with actress Devika Rani becoming its first recipient.
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The honour is conferred on individuals for their outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. It carries a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl and a cash prize of ₹10 lakh.
A Landmark Recognition for Indian Cinema
The selection of Anant Nag for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award marks national recognition of a career spanning more than five decades and more than 300 films. His work across Kannada and several other Indian-language industries has formed a significant part of his long cinematic journey.
With the award ceremony scheduled for September 22, the veteran actor is set to receive one of Indian cinema’s highest honours in recognition of his enduring contribution to the country’s film landscape.
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