BENGALURU: Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag’s selection for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 has sparked a wave of congratulatory messages from political leaders across Karnataka and the Centre, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, and state leaders praising his contribution to Indian cinema.
Anant Nag has been chosen for the prestigious honour in recognition of his long, distinguished career and contributions to Indian cinema. The announcement has been particularly significant for Karnataka as he becomes the second Kannada actor to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award after the legendary Dr Rajkumar.
Congratulations to the legendary Anant Nag Ji on being conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
For several decades, his effortless performances, remarkable versatility and brilliance have left a very strong mark on Indian cinema, particularly Kannada cinema. In whichever role he…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 16, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Anant Nag and praised his contribution to cinema, particularly his work in Kannada films. Modi has described the veteran actor as an artiste known for his natural acting, versatility and ability to bring depth to the characters he portrayed.
The Prime Minister’s message highlighted Anant Nag’s decades-long association with Indian cinema and his ability to connect with audiences through varied performances. The recognition has also prompted several Union ministers and Karnataka leaders to recall his contribution to the growth and popularity of Kannada cinema.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar congratulated Anant Nag and described the award as a moment of pride for Kannadigas. He said the veteran actor had enriched the Indian performing arts for decades through his natural style of acting, restraint and portrayal of distinctive characters.
“Anant Nag receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, the highest honour in Indian cinema, is a matter of immense pride and happiness for every Kannadiga,” Shivakumar said.
Good choice sir🙏 pic.twitter.com/ytJifwSgoi
— anand jogi (@anandjogi144768) September 16, 2026
He added that the award represented recognition not only for Anant Nag but also for the contribution of Kannada cinema to Indian filmmaking.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara also congratulated Anant Nag, saying the honour reflected his immense contribution to Indian cinema. He wished the veteran actor continued success and said his artistic journey had brought pride to Karnataka.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi described Anant Nag as a pride of Kannada cinema and congratulated him on receiving one of the highest recognitions in the Indian film industry.
2024ನೇ ಸಾಲಿನ ದಾದಾಸಾಹೇಬ್ ಫಾಲ್ಕೆ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿಗೆ ಪಾತ್ರರಾಗಿರುವ ಕನ್ನಡನಾಡಿನ ಹೆಮ್ಮೆಯ ನಟರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಅನಂತ್ ನಾಗ್ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಹೃದಯಪೂರ್ವಕ ಅಭಿನಂದನೆಗಳನ್ನು ಸಲ್ಲಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ.
ಅನಂತ್ ನಾಗ್ ಅವರು ಕನ್ನಡ ಚಿತ್ರರಂಗ ಕಂಡ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠ ನಟರು ಹಾಗೂ ಸಹಜ ಅಭಿನಯ, ಅಭಿವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಗೆ ಮತ್ತೊಂದು ಹೆಸರು. ಭಾರತೀಯ ಚಿತ್ರರಂಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಪರೂಪದ ಪ್ರತಿಭೆ. ಅಂತಹ… pic.twitter.com/qx7wTja3B6
— ಹೆಚ್.ಡಿ.ಕುಮಾರಸ್ವಾಮಿ | HD Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) September 16, 2026
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said Anant Nag had inspired generations of audiences and artistes through his remarkable artistic journey and contribution to cinema. He highlighted the actor’s ability to remain relevant across generations through his performances.
Union Minister V. Somanna also extended his greetings to Anant Nag, saying it was a matter of happiness for Kannadigas that the veteran actor had been selected for the 2024 Dadasaheb Phalke Award. He recalled Anant Nag’s distinctive acting style and his long association with Kannada cinema.
Another Union minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, congratulated the veteran actor and said the honour recognised his distinguished and lengthy career and contribution to Indian cinema.
ಕನ್ನಡ ಚಿತ್ರರಂಗದ ಗರಿಮೆ, ಮೇರು ನಟ ಶ್ರೀ ಅನಂತ್ ನಾಗ್ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಭಾರತೀಯ ಚಿತ್ರರಂಗದ ಅತ್ಯುನ್ನತ ಗೌರವವಾದ 'ದಾದಾಸಾಹೇಬ್ ಫಾಲ್ಕೆ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ -2024' ಲಭಿಸಿರುವುದು ಸಮಸ್ತ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರಿಗೆ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಹೆಮ್ಮೆಯ ಮತ್ತು ಸಂತಸದ ಕ್ಷಣ.
ತಮ್ಮ ನೈಜ ನಟನೆ, ಸಂಯಮ ಹಾಗೂ ವಿಶಿಷ್ಟ ಪಾತ್ರಗಳ ಮೂಲಕ ದಶಕಗಳ ಕಾಲ ಭಾರತೀಯ ಕಲಾರಂಗವನ್ನು ಶ್ರೀಮಂತಗೊಳಿಸಿದ… pic.twitter.com/t4351ZWbXm
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) September 16, 2026
Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya and MP P.C. Mohan were among the other leaders who congratulated Anant Nag on the recognition.
Anant Nag’s career has extended well beyond Kannada cinema. He has acted in Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam films and has worked with several prominent filmmakers during his long career.
He became particularly popular in Kannada cinema for his youthful romantic roles before moving into a wide variety of character and supporting roles. His performances have covered mainstream commercial films, parallel cinema, comedy, drama and historical characters.
His association with noted filmmaker Shyam Benegal brought him recognition beyond the Kannada film industry. He appeared in acclaimed films such as Ankur, Nishant and Bhumika, establishing himself as an actor capable of handling complex and realistic characters.
In Kannada cinema, his filmography includes popular titles such as Beladingala Baale, Ganeshana Maduve, Gauri Ganesha and Accident. He also became familiar to audiences through television, including the widely acclaimed series Malgudi Days.
In more recent years, Anant Nag continued to appear in major productions, including the KGF franchise, demonstrating his ability to remain part of changing generations of Kannada cinema.
What has distinguished his performances over the decades is his understated approach to acting. Rather than relying heavily on theatrical mannerisms, he has often used subtle expressions, dialogue delivery and body language to establish the personality of his characters.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award adds another major national recognition to his long career. The award is the highest honour in Indian cinema and is conferred for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s records show that the award is presented as part of the National Film Awards.
The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony is scheduled to be held on September 22 at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat’s Kevadia area, according to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
For Karnataka’s film fraternity, Anant Nag’s selection is being viewed as a significant national recognition of a career that has crossed linguistic, generational and cinematic boundaries. The congratulatory messages from political leaders have added to the celebrations surrounding the honour, which marks another major milestone in the veteran actor’s decades-long journey in Indian cinema.
