Legendary Kannada actor Anant Nag has been selected for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 for his contribution to Indian cinema and his illustrious cinematic journey.
The award will be presented at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on September 22, 2026, in Kevadia, Gujarat.
Last year, the award was given to Malayalam cinema star Mohanlal.
The 2024 award is being presented this year due to a delay in the schedule caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Who is Anant Nag?
Born on September 4, 1948, Anant Nag has built a career spanning more than five decades.
According to the Government of India’s Padma Bhushan citation, he has acted in more than 300 films across Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil and Marathi cinema.
He made his Kannada feature-film debut in Sankalp and later appeared in films including Ankur. His natural acting style and versatility have made him a prominent figure in Indian cinema. He also appeared in the popular television series Malgudi Days.
Nag is known for his performances in films including “Minchina Ota”, “Hamsageethe”, “Ankur” and “Manthan”.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award: India’s Highest Honour in Cinema
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award was instituted in 1969 to commemorate the contribution of Dadasaheb Phalke, who directed Raja Harishchandra, India’s first full-length feature film.
The award recognises outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema and comprises a Swarna Kamal medallion, shawl and ₹10 lakh cash prize.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is widely regarded as India’s highest honour for lifetime contribution to cinema. It is presented by the Government of India every year at the National Film Awards ceremony.
The award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. A committee comprising eminent personalities from the Indian film industry selects the recipient.
What Does the Award Include?
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award consists of:
- 🏅 Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion
- 🧣 Shawl
- 💰 Cash prize of ₹10 lakh
When Was the Award Started?
The award was instituted in 1969 by the Government of India to honour the legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke, one of the pioneers of Indian cinema.
Dadasaheb Phalke (1870–1944) is popularly known as the “Father of Indian Cinema.” He directed Raja Harishchandra in 1913, which is recognised as India’s first full-length feature film.
Who Was the First Recipient?
Devika Rani became the first recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. She received the honour in 1969, with the award being presented at the 17th National Film Awards.
Notable Recipients
Over the years, the award has honoured several influential figures from Indian cinema, including:
- Satyajit Ray
- Raj Kapoor
- Lata Mangeshkar
- Asha Bhosle
- Amitabh Bachchan
- Shyam Benegal
- Rajinikanth
- Asha Parekh
- Waheeda Rehman
The award has also been given posthumously on two occasions: Prithviraj Kapoor (1971) and Vinod Khanna (2017).
Why Is the Award Important?
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award recognises more than an individual film or performance. It celebrates a person’s long-term contribution to Indian cinema and their role in shaping the country’s film culture.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Award | Dadasaheb Phalke Award |
| Country | India |
| Instituted | 1969 |
| Presented by | Government of India |
| Ceremony | National Film Awards |
| First Recipient | Devika Rani |
| Awarded for | Outstanding contribution to Indian cinema |
| Award Components | Swarna Kamal, Shawl & ₹10 lakh |
| Namesake | Dadasaheb Phalke |
| First Feature Film by Phalke | Raja Harishchandra (1913) |
FAQs
Q1. Who will receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024?
Ans: Anant Nag has been selected for the award.
Q2. When will Anant Nag receive the award?
Ans: September 22, 2026, at the 72nd National Film Awards.
Q3. Where will the ceremony take place?
Ans: Kevadia, Gujarat.
Q4. How many films has Anant Nag acted in?
Ans: The Government of India says he has appeared in more than 300 films.
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