Ananth Nag Receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 – A Milestone for Kannada Cinema

Overview

Veteran Kannada actor Ananth Nag was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, India’s highest cinematic honour, in recognition of a career that spans more than five decades across theatre, film and television.

Award Announcement and Ceremony

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the award on 16 September 2026 News On AIR. The award was presented at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony held on 22 September 2026 in Kevadia, Gujarat News On AIR. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Dr L Mururgan congratulated the actor on social media, noting his lasting contribution to Indian cinema.

Career Highlights

Ananth Nag’s work is noted for its range, moving from sombre roles to comic performances The Hindu. He described the legendary Dr Rajkumar as his “mundina doni” — the boat that went before him — highlighting the inspiration he drew from the veteran star The Hindu. Over his career he has acted in landmark Kannada films such as Hamsageethe, the Ganesha series, Aatagara and the critically acclaimed Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu (2016), for which he received the National Film Award for Best Actor The Hindu. His portrayal of an old man suffering from Alzheimer’s in that film is regarded as one of his all‑time best performances The Hindu. Beyond cinema, he was a key part of the television classic Malgudi Days, which introduced Kannada storytelling to audiences across India The Hindu. He also served in public life as an MLC and MLA, including a tenure as Bangalore Development Minister in the J.H. Patel Cabinet The Hindu.

Impact on Kannada Cinema

Being the second Kannada actor after Dr Rajkumar to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Ananth Nag’s recognition signals a growing national appreciation for regional film industries and encourages younger talent from Karnataka to pursue excellence in cinema The Hindu. The award also underscores the importance of lifelong contribution to the arts, reinforcing the cultural value of sustained artistic endeavour News On AIR.