Is Anant Nag FIRST Kannada Actor To Win the Dadasaheb Phalke Award?
The Government of India has officially selected veteran actor Anant Nag to receive the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 in recognition of his five-decade contribution to Indian cinema. The announcement sparked wide celebration across Karnataka, leading fans to reflect on the Sandalwood legends who have previously earned the nation's highest film honour.
Veteran actor Anant Nag has been named the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, India's highest honour in cinema, the Government of India announced on Wednesday. The award recognises his distinguished career spanning over five decades and more than 300 films across Kannada, Hindi, and other regional languages. Kannada Cinema Legend Anant Nag To Be Conferred With Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024.
Nag will formally receive the honour at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony scheduled for September 22 in Kevadia, Gujarat. While the announcement marks a significant milestone for the Kannada film industry, Nag is not the first Kannada actor to be conferred with the honour.
Anant Nag Becomes Second Kannada Actor to be Honoured With Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Anant Nag is the second actor from the Kannada film industry, often referred to as Sandalwood, to win the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. He follows in the footsteps of legendary actor Dr Rajkumar, who became the first Kannada actor to receive the recognition. The government highlighted Nag’s versatility, noting his contributions to both mainstream and parallel cinema, as well as his notable work on television, including the widely acclaimed series Malgudi Days. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Nag for bringing "rare depth and authenticity" to his performances over the decades.
In addition to actors, cinematographer VK Murthy from Karnataka received the award in 2008, primarily for his pioneering work in Hindi cinema.
Dr Rajkumar: Sandalwood's Trailblazing First Recipient
The cultural icon Dr Rajkumar remains the first actor from Kannada cinema to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, which was presented to him in 1995 for the 1994 award year. Over a career spanning more than 200 films, Dr Rajkumar anchored the growth of Sandalwood during its formative decades. Revered as "Natasarvabhouma" (Emperor of Actors), his work set structural standards for cinematic storytelling, music, and performance art in Karnataka.
He also remains the only lead actor to win a National Film Award for playback singing, underscoring his wide-ranging impact on the industry. Who Is Anant Nag? Meet the Sandalwood Icon Named 2024 Dadasaheb Phalke Award Recipient.
A Lasting Legacy for Kannada Cinema
The conferment of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award on Anant Nag highlights the continued recognition of Kannada cinema on the national stage. By joining Dr Rajkumar in receiving India's highest cinematic honour, Nag’s award celebrates both his individual artistic contribution and the broader history of Sandalwood.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 17, 2026 03:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).