Veteran actor Anant Nag received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 from President Droupadi Murmu at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Gujarat. The honour recognises his contribution to Indian cinema over a career spanning several decades.
While receiving the award, Anant Nag recalled the verses of saint-poet Kanakadasa, reflecting on how people pursue different paths to sustain themselves. He expressed gratitude to the directors, writers, producers, fellow artistes and audiences who supported his journey.
Anant Nag began his career in theatre and acted in nearly 50 plays before entering cinema with Sankalpa in 1973. He went on to work in more than 300 Kannada films, besides appearing in Hindi cinema, including Shyam Benegalās Ankur.
The actor dedicated the honour to the people who contributed to his long career and reaffirmed his connection with Kannada cinema and Karnataka.