When Kannada cinema’s veteran icon Anant Nag was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the collective sigh of satisfaction across the film fraternity was palpable. For filmmaker-actor Rishab Shetty, however, the emotion runs far deeper than routine industry congratulations. Having long championed the veteran’s legacy and having directed him in Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shale, Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai, Rishab views the honour not merely as individual recognition but as a triumph for the entire Kannada film fraternity.

Talking about the milestone, Rishab recalled how Kannada cinema celebrated its first Phalke award, when Dr Rajkumar was conferred the honour. "First it was Annavru, and now it is Anant Nag sir," Rishab stated, describing the feeling as a deeply personal celebration. "He is our industry’s pride, a living legend. To say that he belongs to our fraternity, that he has received the Padma honour and now the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, gives us immense pride. It feels as though this award has come to our home, to our language, and to our cinema. As a younger member of this film family, seeing the industry’s senior most stalwart honoured with such reverence is an incredible inspiration."

For Rishab, Anant Nag’s stature transcends regional boundaries. When asked about his place in the broader national level, the director was unequivocal in his praise. "If you compile a list of the top ten actors across the history of Indian cinema, Anant sir will effortlessly stand right there as one of the finest," he remarked, emphasising the effortless naturalism the actor has brought to the craft over decades.

Rishab credits Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shale... as one of the projects that defined his creative identity as a filmmaker, with Anant Nag playing a central role in it. Collaborating with the legend to convey the film’s core essence remains a career milestone: "He brought my thoughts alive and conveyed them to the audience so beautifully. Getting the opportunity to direct him and work closely with him is something I hold with immense gratitude."