Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024: Anant Nag to Be Honoured
Introduction
Veteran actor Anant Nag has been selected for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2024 for his outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
The Government of India announced the award on 16 September 2026 following the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee. The award will be presented at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on 22 September 2026 at Kevadia, Gujarat.
Why in News?
- Anant Nag has been chosen for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024.
- The award recognises his over five decades of contribution to Indian cinema.
- He has acted in more than 300 films across several Indian languages.
- The award will be presented at the 72nd National Film Awards in Kevadia, Gujarat.
About Anant Nag
Anant Nag was born on 4 September 1948 in Karnataka. He is known for his versatility and has contributed to Kannada as well as several other Indian film industries.
Key Facts
- Acting debut: Kannada film Sankalp
- Hindi debut: Ankur
- Films: More than 300
- Languages: Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil and Marathi
- Notable work: Malgudi Days
- Completed 50 years in cinema in 2023.
He has received several major honours, including five Filmfare Awards and five Karnataka State Best Actor Awards.
Other recognitions include:
- Karnataka Rajyotsava Award
- Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award
- Karnataka State Lifetime Achievement Award
- Honorary Doctorate from Bangalore University (North)
- Padma Bhushan (2025)
Anant Nag’s Public Life
Anant Nag also served in public life in Karnataka.
- Member, Karnataka Legislative Council: 1988–1994
- Member, Karnataka Legislative Assembly: 1994–1999
- Served as Minister of State for Bangalore City Development.
What is the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024?
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 is regarded as India’s highest official honour in the field of cinema. It is presented annually to recognise an individual’s outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Instituted | 1969 |
| Instituted by | Government of India |
| Named after | Dadasaheb Phalke |
| First Recipient | Devika Rani |
| Awarded at | National Film Awards |
| Selection | Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee |
| 2024 Awardee | Anant Nag |
| 2026 Ceremony | 72nd National Film Awards |
The award was instituted in 1969 to commemorate the birth centenary of Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke.
Also read: Mohanlal to be honoured with Dada Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2025
Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2026 Components
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award traditionally consists of:
- Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion
- Shawl
- Cash prize
Exam Fact: The PIB release states the cash prize as ₹10 lakh. Therefore, the ₹15 lakh figure sometimes mentioned in secondary sources should not be used without verification against the applicable official notification.
Who Was Dadasaheb Phalke?
Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (1870–1944) is widely regarded as the Father of Indian Cinema.
He was a filmmaker, producer, director and printmaker who played a foundational role in the development of Indian cinema.
Raja Harishchandra (1913)
Dadasaheb Phalke wrote, produced and directed Raja Harishchandra, India’s first full-length indigenous silent feature film, released in 1913.
First Recipient of the Award
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award was first presented in 1969 to Devika Rani, one of the pioneering figures of Indian cinema.
The award was presented during the 17th National Film Awards.
Who won Dadasaheb Phalke Award last year?
- The Dadasaheb Phalke 2024 Award is being announced and given in September 2026 to Anant Nag.
- The Dadasaheb Phalke 2023 Award was announced and given in September 2025 to Mohanlal
- The Dadasaheb Phalke 2022 Award was given in October 2024 to Mithun Chakraborty
Posthumous Recipients
The award has also been given posthumously on notable occasions.
According to the information provided:
- Prithviraj Kapoor – 1971
- Vinod Khanna – 2017
Significance of the Award
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is significant because it recognises lifetime contribution rather than a single film or performance.
It acknowledges artists and other contributors whose work has influenced the development, cultural expression and evolution of Indian cinema.
Why it Matters for India
- Recognises long-term contribution to cinema.
- Celebrates India’s diverse film traditions and languages.
- Preserves the legacy of Indian cinema.
- Encourages artistic and creative excellence.
- Highlights the cultural role of cinema in Indian society.
CGPSC Prelims 2026
Remember these facts:
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2026 – highest official honour in Indian cinema.
- Instituted – 1969.
- First recipient – Devika Rani.
- Named after – Dhundiraj Govind Phalke.
- Raja Harishchandra – 1913.
- Anant Nag – recipient for 2024.
- Award ceremony – 72nd National Film Awards.
- Ceremony date – 22 September 2026.
- Venue – Kevadia, Gujarat.
- Anant Nag – more than five decades in cinema.
CGPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements about the Dadasaheb Phalke Award:
- It was instituted in 1969.
- Devika Rani was its first recipient.
- It is presented for outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 1, 2 and 3
Q2. Anant Nag, selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, is primarily associated with which field?
A. Literature
B. Cinema
C. Classical dance
D. Painting
Answer: B. Cinema
CGPSC Mains 2026
Q1. Discuss the significance of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in recognising the contribution of individuals to Indian cinema.
Q2. Examine the contribution of Dadasaheb Phalke to the development of Indian cinema.
Conclusion
The selection of Anant Nag for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 recognises his more than five-decade-long contribution to Indian cinema. The award also reflects the enduring importance of India’s regional and multilingual film traditions in the country’s cultural heritage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Anant Nag was selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 for his outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. The award is being presented in September 2026
Anant Nag was selected in recognition of his more than five decades of contribution to Indian cinema and his work across multiple Indian languages.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest official honour in the field of cinema, presented for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award was instituted in 1969 by the Government of India.
Devika Rani was the first recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1969.
Anant Nag is a veteran Indian actor known primarily for his work in Kannada cinema, as well as Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil and Marathi films.
Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke, is widely regarded as the Father of Indian Cinema.
Raja Harishchandra, written, produced and directed by Dadasaheb Phalke, was released in 1913.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023 was given to Mohanlal, while the award for 2022 was given to Mithun Chakraborty. The 2024 award has been selected for Anant Nag and is being presented in September 2026.
Anant Nag received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, which was announced in September 2026. The award is scheduled to be presented at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on 22 September 2026 in Kevadia, Gujarat.