Veteran actor and Padma Bhushan awardee Ananth Nag has officially received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, widely regarded as the highest honour in Indian cinema. The award for the year 2024 was announced in recognition of his substantial contributions to Indian cinema. Anant Nag was conferred the lifetime achievement award at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony held grandly in Gujarat.

The central government lauded his five-decade-long career, noting that the recognition honours his exceptional legacy and his enduring influence as an inspiration to both film lovers and artists across generations.

Addressing the audience upon receiving the honour, Ananth Nag quoted saint Kanakadasa's celebrated lines, which translates as 'All that we do is for food and cloth,' expressing heartfelt gratitude to the directors, screenwriters, producers, and viewers who supported him throughout his journey.

Born in Shirali, Uttara Kannada, Anant Nag transitioned from theatre to cinema with Sankalpa in 1973, subsequently starring in Shyam Benegal’s Hindi classic Ankur and over 300 Kannada titles spanning drama, comedy, and key character roles.