Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024

Why in News?
Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag has been selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 for his contribution to Indian cinema. He is the second artist from Karnataka associated with Kannada cinema to receive the honour, after Dr. Rajkumar in 1995.
Anant Nag and His Cinematic Journey
•    Anant Nag, born Anant Nagarkatte in 1948 in Uttara Kannada district, began his artistic career through theatre, performing in Kannada, Marathi, Hindi and Konkani plays, with his theatrical background largely shaped in Mumbai. 
•    He made his Kannada film debut with Sankalpa in 1973 and has acted in more than 300 films over a career spanning more than five decades. 
•    More than 250 of his film performances have been in Kannada, covering both mainstream and parallel cinema. 
•    He has also received five Karnataka State Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award. 
•    He was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 2025. 
Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Kannada Cinema
•    The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest national recognition in the field of Indian cinema. 
•    Dr. Rajkumar became the first Kannada actor to receive the award in 1995. 
•    Anant Nag becomes the second recognition associated with Kannada cinema after Rajkumar. 
•    The distinction is important because V. K. Murthy, a cinematographer from Karnataka, received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2008, but the recognition was for his contribution to Hindi cinema. 
•    The award was announced on September 16, 2026, following the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee. 
•    Anant Nag will receive the award at the 72nd National Film Awards Ceremony on September 22, 2026, at Kevadia, Gujarat.