Bengaluru: Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag has been selected for the 2024 Dadasaheb Phalke Award. After the announcement, the actor expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that he would dedicate the honour to the people of Karnataka. The Government of India announced that the award will be presented at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on September 22 in Kevadia, Gujarat.

In a conversation with PTI Video, Anant Nag shared his views on the award selection process. He said that in the past, ‘nepotism’ and ‘favouritism’ had influenced award selections and credited Prime Minister Modi with changing the system through public participation.

‘I Am Extremely Happy With the Honour’

Anant Nag said he was deeply grateful after the announcement of the prestigious honour. He said the award is special to him and that he dedicates it to the people of Karnataka.

According to the actor, the award selection process had followed a different system earlier. He said he felt that changes had been made to the existing system and that this was why he wanted to thank the Prime Minister.

Award to Be Presented on September 22

Anant Nag was announced as the recipient of the 2024 Dadasaheb Phalke Award on Wednesday. He will receive the honour during the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on September 22 in Kevadia, Gujarat.

Anant Nag has been active in Kannada cinema for several decades and has acted in films across a long career. Reactions to the award announcement have also emerged from the Karnataka film industry.