Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag has been honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 72nd National Film Awards. The 78-year-old actor was recognised for his remarkable contribution to Indian cinema over a career spanning more than five decades.
Veteran actor Anant Nag received one of Indian cinema’s highest honours on Tuesday as he was presented with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat.
The legendary actor, known for his extensive work in Kannada cinema as well as films and television across several Indian languages, was honoured for his long-standing contribution to the country’s film industry.
Special Tribute Celebrates Anant Nag’s Career
The National Film Awards jury paid tribute to Anant Nag’s extraordinary career with a special short film during the ceremony.
The presentation highlighted some of the most important milestones of his journey as an actor and showcased his contribution to both Indian cinema and television. The tribute also reflected on the wide range of characters he has portrayed throughout his career.
Anant Nag Reflects on His Acting Journey
After receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Anant Nag addressed the audience and spoke about his early years and his journey into acting.
The actor recalled that his interest in theatre began at a young age. After moving to Mumbai, he got an opportunity to perform in a play, which eventually opened the door to a professional acting career.
Nag revealed that theatre played a major role in shaping him as an actor. During roughly five years in theatre, he performed in around 50 plays, describing the experience as an important period of training.
His transition to cinema began with Kannada films before he also worked in Hindi cinema with filmmakers including Shyam Benegal and M.S. Sathyu.
Why Anant Nag Chose Bengaluru as His “Karma Bhoomi”
During his speech, Anant Nag also recalled the opportunities he received in Karnataka.
Although he appeared in Hindi films, he found significant opportunities in Kannada cinema and eventually decided to establish himself in Bengaluru. He described Karnataka as his “Karma Bhoomi”, where he was able to explore some of the most significant roles of his career.
Over the decades, Nag has worked across multiple languages and collaborated with filmmakers, writers, technicians and performers from different parts of the Indian film industry.
Anant Nag Dedicates the Award to His Colleagues and Audience
The veteran actor used his National Film Awards speech to acknowledge the many people who contributed to his journey.
Rather than viewing the honour as an individual achievement, Nag credited producers, directors, writers, cinematographers, costume designers, makeup artists, production teams and his numerous colleagues.
He also expressed gratitude towards audiences who have supported his work and accepted the characters he portrayed throughout his career.
For Nag, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award represents not just personal recognition but also a tribute to the many people and viewers who have been part of his decades-long journey.
Anant Nag’s Contribution to Indian Cinema
Born Anant Nagarkatte on September 4, 1948, Anant Nag is regarded as one of the prominent figures of Kannada cinema.
Throughout his career, he has appeared in more than 300 films, with the majority of his work being in Kannada cinema. His filmography also includes projects in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam and English.
Beyond films, Nag became familiar to television audiences through Malgudi Days, the acclaimed Doordarshan series based on the works of author R.K. Narayan.
His performances across cinema and television have made him a recognisable figure among generations of Indian audiences.
Anant Nag’s Major Honours
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award adds another major distinction to Anant Nag’s already celebrated career.
The actor has previously received five Karnataka State Film Awards for his work. In 2025, he was also awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honours.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is presented by the Government of India to recognise an individual’s outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
With this latest honour, Anant Nag’s decades-long contribution to Indian films and television has received one of the country’s most prestigious cinematic recognitions.
