"I was pleasantly surprised, to say the least."
In September 2026, Anant Nag was announced as the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, for 2024.
Born Anant Nagarkatte, Nag has acted in over 300 Indian films, including 250 Kannada films.
He has also starred in several films in other languages, including Hindi, English, Tamil, and Telugu.
Nag made his feature film debut in Sankalpa (1973).
He went on to star in several Kannada blockbusters, including Bayalu Daari (1976), Benkiya Bale (1983), Gowri Ganesha (1991), Mungaru Male (2006), Ramanna Rai (2018), and KGF: Chapter 2 (2022).
In 1986, he also appeared in the television series, Malgudi Days.
Recognising his sterling career, the Government of India will confer Nag with the prestigious accolade later in 2026.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest honour in Indian cinema. It is named after the creator of the Indian film industry.
It was first awarded to Devika Rani in 1969.
Previous recipients of it include Dilip Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, and Waheeda Rehman.
Congratulating Nag on this achievement, the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi tweeted:
“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.
“In whichever role he has played, he brought rare depth and authenticity.
“This is indeed a richly deserved honour for a truly distinguished artist.”
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. In whichever role he…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 16, 2026
Speaking about winning the award, Anant Nag said: “I was pleasantly surprised, to say the least.
“When people said that the Prime Minister had tweeted it, I was doubly happy.
“It is the soil and cultural atmosphere of Karnataka that made me feel very much at home, and I felt that this is the ground to achieve whatever I have to.
“This is my karmabhoomi. This was all about 50 years ago.
“That is why I dedicate last year’s Padma Bhushan and this Dadasaheb Phalke Award to Karnataka and Kannadigas.
“One never really works for an award. Yes, we want to do well in our careers, but none of us works for an award, as it is made out to be.
“And of course, there is lobbying and other kinds of activities to get an award, but that is different, and that is not from an actor’s point of view.
“As far as I understand, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award comes at the fag-end of one’s career.”
“Nobody gets it in their twenties, thirties, or even in their sixties. It comes much later.
“The point is that they have recognised many people in our country.”
The latest recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award was Mohanlal.
Congratulations to Anant Nag for this outstanding achievement.
