Shortly after the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced veteran actor Anant Nag as the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to the social media platform X to celebrate the Kannada doyen's milestone.

Underlining Anant Nag’s seamless movement between parallel and mainstream cinema across half a century, the Prime Minister singled out the natural quietude and credibility that defined his craft.

“Congratulations to the legendary Anant Nag Ji on being conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. For several decades, his effortless performances, remarkable versatility and brilliance have left a very strong mark on Indian cinema, particularly Kannada cinema. In whichever role he has played, he brought rare depth and authenticity. This is indeed a richly deserved honour for a truly distinguished artist,” Modi wrote.

The announcement places Anant Nag in rare company, making him only the second Kannada icon after Dr Rajkumar to be bestowed with the nation’s crowning film prize. Nag will formally receive the honour from President Droupadi Murmu on September 22 during the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat.