Movies
Five decades, 300-plus films: Anant Nag honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Veteran actor to be honoured at 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia on September 22
NEW DELHI: Veteran actor Anant Nag will be conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 for his contribution to Indian cinema and a career spanning more than five decades.
The Government of India announced the honour on 16 September following the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee. The award will be presented at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on 22 September 2026 in Kevadia, Gujarat.
Nag, who made his acting debut in Kannada cinema and his Hindi debut with Ankur, has appeared in more than 300 films across Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil and Marathi cinema. His work also includes the television series Malgudi Days.
Over a career spanning five decades, Nag has taken on a wide range of roles and has been recognised with five Filmfare Awards and five Karnataka State Best Actor Awards. His other honours include the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award and Karnataka State Lifetime Achievement Award.
The actor also received the Padma Bhushan in 2025 and an honorary doctorate from Bangalore University. He marked 50 years in cinema in 2023.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Nag on the honour, highlighting his versatility and contribution to Indian cinema, particularly Kannada cinema.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award was instituted in 1969 in honour of filmmaker Dadasaheb Phalke, who directed Raja Harishchandra, India’s first full-length feature film, in 1913. It is the Government of India’s highest cinema honour and recognises outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
The award comprises a Swarna Kamal medallion, a shawl and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.
