Veteran star Anant Nag gets Dadasaheb Phalke Award

New Delhi: Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag has been selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema and his five-decade-plus journey in the film industry. The announcement was made by the Government yesterday.

The award was announced on the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee. Anant Nag will receive the honour at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony to be held at Kevadia in Gujarat on Sept. 22.

The Government said the award recognises his contribution to Indian cinema and an illustrious cinematic journey that has inspired generations. Anant Nag has acted in more than 300 films across several Indian languages during a career spanning over five decades.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the country’s highest honour for contribution to Indian cinema.

Modi congratulates

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Anant Nag, describing the honour as recognition of the veteran actor’s contribution to Indian cinema, particularly Kannada cinema.

In a post on X, Modi praised Nag’s versatility and performances over several decades, saying he had brought depth and authenticity to the characters he portrayed.

Anant Nag expressed happiness and gratitude on being selected for the award, saying the recognition was also an acknowledgement of Karnataka’s contribution to cinema.

“I am happy. First of all, Karnataka has been recognised at the national level and my contribution to the film industry in Karnataka has been recognised. I have a sense of gratitude and I thank the Prime Minister,” he said while reacting to the announcement.