New Delhi, Sept. 16 -- Veteran actor Anant Nag will receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 for his contribution to Indian cinema, the government announced on Wednesday. The 78-year-old actor, who has worked in more than 250 films over five decades, is known for his work in Kannada and Hindi cinema as well as theatre. The award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, will be presented at the National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22.
The Press Information Bureau said the decision followed the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee and recognised Nag's "illustrious cinematic journey". Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Nag, saying his performances and versatility had left a strong mark on Indian cinema, particularly Kannada cinema.
Nag made his film debut with the 1973 Kannada film Sankalpa and became a prominent figure in parallel cinema during the 1970s and 1980s. His collaboration with filmmaker Shyam Benegal included Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, Bhumika, Kondura and Kalyug.
His performance in Hamsageethe (1975) earned him the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada. He also appeared in Malgudi Days and several commercial Kannada films, including KGF. Nag received the Padma Bhushan last year. Malayalam star Mohanlal received the Phalke Award last year.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.