‘Karnataka my karmabhoomi and Bharat my dharmabhoomi,’ says Anant Nag after receiving Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Kevadia: Veteran actor Anant Nag was honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
Prior to the formal conferment, a special tribute video highlighting Nag’s multi-decade legacy was screened for the audience. As the veteran actor walked up to the stage, the auditorium stood in a heartfelt standing ovation. Industry colleagues and fellow awardees—including Mammootty, Dhanush, Sanjay Mishra, Yami Gautam, Aditya Dhar, and Kartik Aaryan—joined in applauding the stalwart.
Addressing the gathering of filmmakers, performers, and dignitaries, Nag reflected on his six-decade journey, describing Karnataka as his "Karmabhoomi" and India as his "dharmabhoomi." He revisited the roots of his acting career, which began with theatre in Mumbai at the age of 12.
"It's a great honour to be here with you, and I am trying to digest the majesty of this function. I have not attended many, or perhaps any, such gatherings, but I am very happy to be with you all today," Nag said.
"I grew up in a ashram upto 12 years after that I was sent to Mumbai. I got a chance to act in a play and then my career started but I can't say career because then I had no idea what would happen in the future," he added.
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A Foundation in Theatre and Strategic Move to Kannada Cinema
Nag credited his early theatrical work as a crucial foundation before transitioning to the silver screen. After appearing in numerous plays, he made his cinematic debut in the Kannada feature Sankalp, followed by his Hindi debut in Shyam Benegal's Ankur.
"Therafter my career started as an actor. In five years I acted in about 50 different plays which was may training ground as such and then I was called to play some roles in cinemas. First in Kannada then in Hindi with Shayam Benegal and many others," Nag recalled.
Despite earning early recognition in Hindi parallel cinema, Nag ultimately decided to anchor his work in Bangalore due to its vibrant ecosystem for new-age and commercial cinema.
"Although I did act in many Hindi films, the atmosphere for new-age films, commercial films and other opportunities in Karnataka was great. So I thought, let me move to Bangalore and settle there, and that became my karmabhoomi. I was invited to do many films in other languages as well, and I went there as an ambassador of Karnataka," he shared.
Gratitude to Collaborators and Audiences
In a humbling gesture, the veteran star dedicated the honor to the thousands of technicians, directors, and audiences who backed him over five decades.
"At this point, I would like to remember all the people who have been with me throughout this career of 50-55 years. This award does not belong to me alone, but to everyone who has worked with me tirelessly including directors, producers, costume, makeup, assitant directors, dialogue writers and others," he remarked.
"It belongs to the millions of people who have opened their hearts and minds to my characters over the last five and a half decades," Nag added.
Concluding his address, Nag summarised his relationship with his roots and his craft: "This great country has been my janmabhoomi, Karnataka my karmabhoomi and Bharat my dharmabhoomi. Once again, I thank you all, all the people of India who have been my great benefactors."
A Legacy Spanning Over 300 Films
Born on September 4, 1948, Anant Nag boasts a filmography of over 300 films across Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, and Marathi languages, including iconic projects like Malgudi Days. His career boasts five Filmfare Awards, five Karnataka State Best Actor Awards, the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, and an Honorary Doctorate from Bangalore University (North). Nag was also conferred with the Padma Bhushan in 2025. Beyond his artistic contributions, Nag served as a Member of the Legislative Council (1988–1994), an MLA (1994–1999), and Minister of State for Bangalore City Development.
Instituted in 1969 and first awarded to Devika Rani, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award remains India’s highest honor in cinema, recognizing lifetime contributions with a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh. (ANI)