NEW DELHI: Veteran actor Anant Nag has been chosen for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution to Indian cinema. The decision followed the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee of the central government and the announcement was made by the Press Information Bureau on Wednesday.
According to the announcement, the award has been given to Anant Nag for his long career and contribution to Indian cinema, particularly Kannada cinema. The Award is to be conferred upon veteran actor Anant Nag in recognition of his outstanding and invaluable contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema. The award recognises Nag’s illustrious cinematic journey spanning over five decades, which has inspired generations of artists and enriched the cultural landscape of the nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the veteran actor on the honour. Sharing a post on X, PM Modi said, “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
The award will be presented to Anant Nag at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22, 2026. The government has confirmed that the 72nd National Film Awards will be presented at the ceremony.
Born Anant Nagarkatte on September 4, 1948, Anant Nag is one of the well-known names in Kannada cinema. He has worked in more than 300 films, including over 250 Kannada films. His work also includes films in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam and English.
Apart from films, Nag has also appeared on television. He was part of the popular Doordarshan series Malgudi Days, based on the works of writer RK Narayan. The actor has received five Karnataka State Film Awards during his career. In 2025, he was also awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest honour given by the Government of India for contribution to Indian cinema. The award is presented as part of the National Film Awards. (ANI)
Born on September 4, 1948 in Karnataka, Nag is a veteran Indian actor renowned for his versatility and contribution to Indian cinema spanning over five decades. He made his acting debut in the Kannada feature film ‘Sankalpa’ and his Hindi debut in ‘Ankur’, going on to portray diverse characters in over 300 films across Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, and Marathi cinema, including notable works such as ‘Malgudi Days’.
Anant Nag has won five Filmfare Awards and five Karnataka State Best Actor Awards, along with the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award, and the Karnataka State Lifetime Achievement Award. He also holds an Honorary Doctorate from Bangalore University (North). In 2023, he celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his 50-year career in cinema.
Beyond cinema, Anant Nag served as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council from 1988 to 1994 and as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from 1994 to 1999, during which he held office as Minister of State for Bangalore City Development. He has been honoured by the Government of India with the Padma Bhushan in 2025.
Today, Nag remains one of India’s most respected cultural icons, admired for his versatility, humility, and enduring contribution to Indian cinema.
Instituted in 1969 when presented to Devika Rani, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award was introduced by the Central hovernment to commemorate Dadasaheb Phalke’s contribution to Indian cinema who directed India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra in 1913.
Honoured with the highest award in the field of cinema, the recipients are recognized for their ‘outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema’. The award comprises a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh. (ANI)
