Veteran Actor Anant Nag Named Winner of Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024

In a monumental moment for Sandalwood and Indian cinema, the Government of India announced on September 16, 2026, that veteran actor Anant Nag has been chosen for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2024. The Press Information Bureau confirmed the decision, which was recommended by the award selection committee to recognize Nag's extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema spanning over five decades and more than 300 films across multiple languages. Nag, who turned 78 recently, becomes only the second artist from Karnataka to receive the nation's highest film honor, following legendary actor Dr. Rajkumar, who was conferred the award in 1995. Beginning his acting career in theatre, Nag made his screen debut with the 1973 Kannada film Sankalpa and gained widespread national acclaim through Shyam Benegal's classic parallel cinema titles, including Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, and Bhumika. He also won millions of hearts through his memorable portrayal in the classic Doordarshan series Malgudi Days and remained a cornerstone of commercial Sandalwood blockbusters up to modern pan-India hits like K.G.F: Chapter 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt congratulations, praising Nag's versatile performances and rare artistic depth. Reacting to the honor in Bengaluru, Nag dedicated the award to the people and cultural heritage of Karnataka. The award will be formally presented to him on September 22, 2026, during the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony at Kevadia in Gujarat.