Actor-filmmaker Upendra, addressing a press conference organised for his birthday on September 18, congratulated veteran thespian Anant Nag on being honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Highlighting Nag’s extraordinary craft and enduring screen presence, Upendra noted the quiet naturalism that made the senior actor universally relatable.

“You all know what a phenomenal actor he is,” Upendra told reporters. “He was the kind of hero who made anyone sitting in a theater chair feel like they were up there on screen. Even back then, people in the Hindi film industry spoke constantly about the caliber of artist he was.”

Describing the recognition as a long-awaited milestone for regional cinema, Upendra added, “Getting this honor after all these years is an immense matter of pride for every Kannadiga. My heartfelt congratulations to him and his family.”