Veteran actor Anant Nag has been honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony. The legendary Kannada actor was recognised for his contribution to Indian cinema spanning more than five decades.
Veteran actor Anant Nag reached another major milestone in his illustrious career on September 22, as he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat.
At 78, the celebrated actor was recognised for his extensive contribution to Indian cinema. The honour adds to a career that has included hundreds of films, theatre performances and memorable television appearances.
Anant Nag Receives India’s Top Cinema Honour
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is presented in recognition of an individual’s outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
Anant Nag’s name has been closely associated with Kannada cinema for decades. However, his work has extended well beyond the Kannada film industry, with appearances in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam and English-language productions.
During the National Film Awards ceremony, the jury also presented a special film celebrating the actor’s long journey in cinema and television.
Anant Nag Recalls His Early Days in Theatre
While accepting the honour, Anant Nag looked back at the experiences that shaped his career.
The actor recalled spending his childhood in an ashram and later moving to Mumbai, where he received an opportunity to perform on stage. Theatre subsequently became an important part of his development as an actor.
Nag has previously spoken about performing in around 50 plays during his early theatre years. He regarded this period as a crucial learning experience before making the transition to films.
His film career began in Kannada cinema, followed by opportunities to work in Hindi movies with acclaimed filmmakers such as Shyam Benegal and M.S. Sathyu.
Why Bengaluru Became Important to Anant Nag
Although Anant Nag appeared in Hindi films, the actor found a large number of opportunities in Karnataka.
He eventually made Bengaluru his professional base and described the city and Karnataka as his “Karma Bhoomi.”
Over the years, he became one of the familiar faces of Kannada cinema, taking on roles across different genres and working with several generations of filmmakers and performers.
Actor Credits Audiences and Filmmakers
Anant Nag used the occasion to acknowledge the people who helped shape his career.
He expressed gratitude towards producers, directors, writers, cinematographers, costume designers, makeup artists, production teams and other colleagues who worked with him throughout his journey.
The actor also remembered audiences who watched and appreciated his performances over several decades.
His speech highlighted the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the contribution of countless people behind every performance.
From Kannada Cinema to Malgudi Days
Anant Nag’s career is not limited to feature films. He also became widely recognised among television viewers through Malgudi Days, the popular Doordarshan series adapted from the writings of R.K. Narayan.
His work across both cinema and television helped him connect with audiences across different generations.
Over the course of his career, Nag has reportedly appeared in more than 300 films, including over 250 Kannada productions.
Anant Nag’s Other Prestigious Awards
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award joins several other major honours received by Anant Nag.
The actor has won five Karnataka State Film Awards during his career. In 2025, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan, one of the country’s highest civilian awards.
His latest recognition at the National Film Awards further marks his enduring presence in Indian cinema.
A Career Spanning More Than Five Decades
From theatre performances in his early years to major roles in Kannada and other Indian-language films, Anant Nag has built a career spanning more than five decades.
His Dadasaheb Phalke Award recognises that long association with Indian cinema and celebrates his contribution as an actor across film and television.
The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony therefore became a significant chapter in the career of one of Kannada cinema’s most recognised veteran performers.
