New Delhi:
Veteran actor Anant Nag Malguri Day Popularity was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest award in the field of cinema, at the National Film Awards 2026 on Tuesday.
At the age of 78, Anant Nag was honored with the prestigious award. The ceremony was held on September 22, 2026 at Kevadia, Gujarat.
Anant Nag’s speech on being honored with the Dada Sahib Phalke Award
To celebrate Ananth Nag, the jury presented a special short film highlighting his illustrious career and outstanding contribution to television and Indian cinema. This tribute reflects his incredible journey and legacy.
Anant Nag addressed the audience after receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
He said, “It is an honor to be here with you and I am trying to digest the glory of this event. I have not attended many such events, but I am very happy to be with you all today. As an actor, you have seen me perform, and you have seen some snippets. I grew up in an ashram and was sent to a monastery in Mumbai in my childhood. Where I got an opportunity to act in a play, Bengali. That same poet Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and thus began my career.”
He added, “In about five years, I acted in around 50 plays, which became the basis of my training for acting. After that, I was called to do a few roles in cinema – first in Kannada, then in Hindi with Shyam Benegal, MS Sattu and many others. Although I worked in many Hindi films, there was an atmosphere of new wave films, art films. There were better opportunities for me in Karnataka films. Moved to Bangalore and settled there. Gone, which became my karmic land.
He explained how over the past 50 years, he has been invited to be a part of films in many languages. He expressed great gratitude for his work in Kannada films, calling it the “biggest opportunity and exposure in Karnataka” that he could get.
Also, he took a moment to remember all the people he has worked with in his career who have contributed to him reaching where he is in his journey as an actor.
“This award does not belong to me alone. It also belongs to every producer, director, dialogue writer, lyricist, cinematographer, costume designer, make-up artist, production manager, assistants and associates who have worked tirelessly with me. This award belongs to the millions of people who have opened their hearts and minds to my characters over the past decade and a half.”
About the legacy of the infinite serpent
Ananth Nagarkate Born on September 4, 1948, Ananth Nag is one of the most respected names in Kannada cinema. During his career, he has acted in more than 300 films, including more than 250 Kannada films. His work has also spanned Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam and English cinema.
Apart from his work in films, Anant Nag is also known for his television appearances. She appeared in the popular series of Doordarshan Malguri DayBased on the stories of famous writer RK Narayan.
The veteran actor has bagged five Karnataka State Film Awards during his illustrious career. In 2025, Anant Nag was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, by the Government of India.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is considered India’s highest honor in cinema and is given to an individual for their outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
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