Government of India announced the award on Wednesday, September 16, following the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee. Award will be presented to Anant Nag at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony, scheduled to be held on September 22, 2026, at Kevadia, Gujarat.
Born on September 4, 1948, in Karnataka, Anant Nag has enjoyed a cinematic career spanning more than five decades. He made his acting debut in the Kannada film Sankalp and later entered Hindi cinema with Ankur. Over the years, he has appeared in more than 300 films across Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil and Marathi cinema. His notable screen work includes the much-loved television series Malgudi Days, along with a wide range of roles that established him as one of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema.
Anant Nag has received five Filmfare Awards and five Karnataka State Best Actor Awards. His other honours include the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award and Karnataka State Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also received an honorary doctorate from Bangalore University (North).
In 2023, Anant Nag completed 50 years in cinema, marking a golden jubilee career that has spanned multiple generations of Indian filmmaking. His public life has also extended beyond cinema. Anant Nag served as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council from 1988 to 1994 and as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from 1994 to 1999. During his political career, he served as Minister of State for Bangalore City Development. Government of India conferred the Padma Bhushan on Anant Nag in 2025, further recognising his contribution to public and cultural life.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Dadasaheb Phalke Award was instituted by the Government of India in 1969 to commemorate the contribution of Dadasaheb Phalke, who directed Raja Harishchandra, India's first full-length feature film, in 1913.
It is the highest Indian award in the field of cinema and recognises individuals for their outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. Award comprises a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl and a cash prize of ₹10 lakh. With the honour, Anant Nag joins the distinguished list of Indian cinema personalities recognised for their lifetime contribution to the country's film heritage.
Keywords: Anant Nag, Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024, Kannada Actor Anant Nag, National Film Awards 2026, Indian Cinema, Karnataka Cinema, Citizen News Puttur