The Government of India has awarded veteran actor Anant Nag the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024. It was announced that he would be presented with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22nd 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised the actor stating: "His effortless performances, remarkable versatility and brilliance have left a very strong mark on Indian cinema... In whichever role he has played, he brought rare depth and authenticity."
Let’s read more about what makes Anant Nag the well deserving winner of India’s most prestigious film awards in 2026 through his biography.
Why Anant Nag’s Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 Win is Historical
This national film honor makes Anant Nag the second Kannada actor to win India’s highest film award. The very first Kannada recipient of Dadasaheb Phalke Awards was Dr. Rajkumar in who received the accolade in 1995.
The selection committee chose Anant Nag after reviewing his work in more than 300 films across five decades.
Dadasaheb Phalke Awards 2024 Ceremony Date and Details
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Details
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Facts about 2024 Dadasaheb Phalke Awards
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Award
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Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024
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Date
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September 22, 2026
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Venue
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72nd National Film Awards, Kevadia, Gujarat
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Film Entry Count
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300+ titles in Kannada, Hindi, Marathi, and English
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How Anant Nag Transition from Theatre to Parallel Cinema
Born Anant Nagarkatte on September 4th 1948, Nag grew up in Shirali, Karnataka and later moved to Mumbai for his college education.
His career as an actor in plays in Konkani and Marathi languages began in Mumbai in the late 1960s.
The director Shyam Benegal appreciated his talents in acting and offered him a role in the film Ankur (1974), which was a beginning of a successful cooperation resulting in the creation of cult arthouse films Nishant, Manthan, and Bhumika.
Anant Nag Built a Legacy Across Kannada Cinema, TV, and Pan-India Hits
After working in Hindi films Nag shifted his main focus to Kannada cinema. He played leads in romantic stories, family dramas, and social comedies like Bayalu Daari, Chandanada Gombe, and the Ganeshana series.
Audiences across India also know the veteran actor from television.
He played popular RK Laxman's character Venkat Rao in the hit TV show Malgudi Days which was directed by his younger brother Shankar Nag.
Nag still acts in major releases today.
So newer film fans might know him from his role as the narrator in the global blockbuster K.G.F: Chapter 1 and his praised role in Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 Celebrate 5 Decades of Anant Nag Acting Legacy
Anant Nag’s career shows that simple, realistic acting can build a lasting legacy. By giving him the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024, Indian cinema honors an actor who succeeded in art films, mainstream hits, and popular television shows.