Actor Anant Nag has been selected for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, recognising his contribution to Indian cinema and a career spanning more than five decades. The announcement was made by the Government of India on Wednesday following the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee.
Anant Nag has been a prominent figure in Indian cinema, particularly Kannada films, while also working across Hindi and several other South Indian languages. Over the course of his career, he has appeared in more than 300 films and has been known for his work across cinema and television. His notable credits include Ankur and the much-loved television series Malgudi Days.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 acknowledges his contribution to the development and enrichment of Indian cinema and his long-standing artistic journey. The honour also adds another major national recognition to his career, following the Padma Bhushan he received in 2025.
Anant Nag will receive the award at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony, scheduled to take place on September 22, 2026, in Kevadia, Gujarat. This year's ceremony will mark the presentation of the honour alongside the National Film Awards.
The recognition also makes Anant Nag the second Kannada artist to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award after Dr. Rajkumar. With his extensive work across multiple languages and mediums, the honour marks a significant moment in his long cinematic journey.