Anant Nag Conferred Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024: PM Modi Praises Legendary Kannada Actor⁠

By Entertainment Bureau | Bangalore Mail

Published: September 16, 2026

Bengaluru: In a moment of immense pride for Indian cinema and Karnataka, legendary actor Anant Nag has been conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024. The highest honor in Indian cinema will be formally presented to the veteran star at the upcoming 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in New Delhi.

The announcement was met with widespread celebration across the film industry and political sphere, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised the actor’s monumental contributions spanning nearly five decades.

PM Narendra Modi Congratulates Anant Nag

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) to express his appreciation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the actor’s effortless versatility and mastery of the craft.

“Congratulations to the legendary Anant Nag Ji on being conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. For several decades, his effortless performances, remarkable versatility and brilliance have left a very strong mark on Indian cinema, particularly Kannada cinema,” PM Modi posted.

“In whichever role he has played, he brought rare depth and authenticity. This is indeed a richly deserved honour for a truly distinguished artist.”

A Stellar Five-Decade Journey in Indian Cinema

While Anant Nag remains a household pillar in Kannada cinema, his artistic footprint extends across Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, and Malayalam feature films.

Key Milestones in Anant Nag’s Career:

 Parallel Cinema Pioneer: Nag emerged as a key figure in the 1970s Indian art-house revolution, earning critical acclaim in Shyam Benegal’s classic films including Ankur (1974), Nishant (1975), Bhumika (1977), and Kondura (1978).

 Household Television Icon: He captured the hearts of millions across India through his memorable performances in RK Narayan’s television masterpiece Malgudi Days, directed by his late brother, Shankar Nag.

 Master of Versatility: Over his five-decade career, Nag effortlessly transitioned between intense parallel cinema, commercial blockbusters, lighthearted comedies, and contemporary dramas (such as K.G.F and 777 Charlie).

 Public Service: Beyond his prolific acting achievements, Nag has also served the state as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and a Minister in the Karnataka state government.

Pride of Namma Bengaluru

The recognition comes as a fitting tribute to an artist who helped redefine realism in South Indian cinema while maintaining a deep connection to theatre and literature. As news of the award spread, fans and film fraternities across Bengaluru and Karnataka began celebrating the landmark achievement of one of Sandalwood’s finest gems.