Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag, awarded the Padma Bhushan for 2025, expressed his happiness and gratitude to the people of Karnataka for their love and support throughout his journey. He also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public nomination initiative, which made the recognition possible.

Recalling his early days in theatre, he says, "When I got into theatre, I was still in college. I was selected for a main role in a play and worked in theatre for five years. At that time, my father expressed his dissatisfaction, saying, ‘I sent you to Mumbai for studies, but you ended up in theatre. Be on your own and do what you want.’"

During his college days, Anant Nag was offered part-time job. "I got a job at Union Bank, where I worked evenings after college. I also attended theatre rehearsals. Back then, I took a chance. In theatre, we were all amateurs, and I spent my own pocket money to keep going. But when I moved to cinema, I realised I could make big money. What I earned at the bank in a year, I could earn from one film. Honestly, I never cared about rewards. That’s the truth," he admits.

Speaking about awards, he remarks, "At one point, there were awards, but they didn’t always go to the deserving ones, and nobody seemed to care. Three years ago, after Prime Minister Modi introduced the public participation initiative for Padma awards like Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri there was an overwhelming response from Karnataka, with nominations in the lakhs."

He concludes, "I dedicate this award to the people of Karnataka and the cinema industry. I am thankful to the producers, directors, and co-actors who have been a part of my journey over the last fifty years. This Padma Bhushan belongs to all of them."