Veteran actor Anant Nag will receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 for his contribution to Indian cinema. The award recognises his career of more than five decades.

According to an official announcement by government yesterday, on the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee. Anant Nag will receive the honour at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on September 22 in Kevadia, Gujarat.

Born on September 4, 1948, in Karnataka, Anant Nag started his acting career with the Kannada film ‘Sankalp’. He later made his Hindi film debut with ‘Ankur’. He has worked in more than 300 films across Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil and Marathi cinema. He is also known for his role in the television series ‘Malgudi Days’.

During his career, Anant Nag has won five Filmfare Awards and five Karnataka State Best Actor Awards. He has also received the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award and Karnataka State Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2025, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan.

The actor has also been involved in public life in Karnataka. He served as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council from 1988 to 1994 and as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from 1994 to 1999. He also served as Minister of State for Bangalore City Development.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award was introduced in 1969 to honour people who have made a major contribution to Indian cinema. The award includes a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.