Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag has been conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award — India's highest honour in cinema — by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The recognition celebrates more than five decades of his contribution to Kannada cinema and a multilingual career that spans Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Marathi films as well as television.

Ministers Extend Congratulations

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi was among the first to formally congratulate the actor, describing him as 'not only a distinguished actor but also a senior figure in the world of art.' Joshi said Anant Nag had 'enriched Kannada cinema through his memorable performances over the past five decades' and called the award a fitting recognition of his sustained service to Indian cinema.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy echoed the sentiment, calling the honour 'an immensely joyful and memorable moment for the people of Karnataka.' Kumaraswamy noted that Anant Nag is only the second Kannada actor to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, after the legendary Rajkumar, a milestone he said had 'further enhanced the pride and glory of Karnataka.'

A Career Spanning Five Decades

Born on 4 September 1948, Anant Nag began his journey in theatre before transitioning to films, where he built a reputation for portraying a wide range of characters — from serious dramas and socially relevant narratives to comedies. His versatility and longevity in an industry that rarely rewards either have made him one of the most respected figures in Indian regional cinema.

Prior to the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, he had already been honoured with the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian distinctions, underlining his standing well beyond the screen.

About the Dadasaheb Phalke Award

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is presented annually by the Government of India for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. Named after filmmaker Dadasaheb Phalke, widely regarded as the father of Indian cinema, the honour carries a golden lotus medallion, a shawl and a cash component. It is conferred at the National Film Awards ceremony by the President of India.

What This Milestone Means for Karnataka

The award holds deep symbolic significance for Karnataka, where the Kannada film industry — often referred to as Sandalwood — has long sought wider national recognition. With Rajkumar having received the honour in 1995, the more than three-decade wait for a second Kannada recipient underscores just how rare this distinction is. For the state's film fraternity, Anant Nag's recognition is expected to renew conversations around the depth of regional cinema talent that often remains under-acknowledged at the national level.

Celebrations are being reported across the Kannada film industry, with fellow actors and cultural figures joining political leaders in hailing the award.