Anant Nag to Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award at 72nd National Film Awards

Veteran actor Anant Nag has been selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the country's highest recognition for contribution to cinema. The Press Information Bureau announced the decision on Wednesday, citing his long career and his body of work in Indian cinema, especially Kannada films.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the actor in a post on X, describing him as a legendary figure whose performances, versatility and craft have left a lasting impression on Indian cinema, particularly Kannada cinema. The Prime Minister said Nag brought rare depth and authenticity to every role and called the honour richly deserved.

The award will be presented at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22, 2026. The government has confirmed that the National Film Awards will be handed out at the event.

Born Anant Nagarkatte on September 4, 1948, Nag is among the most recognised names in Kannada cinema. His filmography runs to more than 300 titles, including over 250 Kannada films, along with work in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam and English.

Beyond the big screen, he appeared in the popular Doordarshan series Malgudi Days, based on the writings of R K Narayan. Over his career he has won five Karnataka State Film Awards, and in 2025 he received the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is presented by the Government of India as part of the National Film Awards.