Veteran Kannada Actor Anant Nag Credits Modi for Overhauling Dadasaheb Phalke Award Process

When the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced that Kannada stalwart Anant Nag would receive the 2024 Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the veteran smiled, blinked, and then launched into a thoughtful reflection about how the whole process had shifted.

“There was a lot of nepotism, a lot of favouritism,” Nag told PTI, his voice softening as he recalled the old ways. “People from a certain ‘special’ circle seemed to get these honours on a silver platter.”

He paused, then added a note of gratitude that felt almost personal. “But Modi changed it,” he said, a hint of relief in his tone. “The Prime Minister actually asked ordinary citizens to suggest names for awards. For the first time, the public got a say, and the Kannadiga community put my name forward.”

It’s a remarkable pivot. Until now, the selection for the nation’s highest cinematic honour – instituted in 1969 to celebrate Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema – had often been criticized as an insider’s club. Nag believes that Modi’s public‑consultation model broke that cycle, giving the award a fresh, democratic sheen.

Even as he expressed gratitude, Nag confessed he was still coming to terms with the accolade. “I never imagined I’d get the Phalke Award,” he admitted, chuckling. “I’m still trying to digest it.” He quickly followed that with a dedication: “I’d like to dedicate this to the people of Karnataka, and thank Mr Modi for making this possible.”

At 78, Nag has a career that spans more than five decades and 270 films, ranging from Kannada classics like Bayalu Daari and KGF Chapter‑1 to Hindi parallel cinema gems such as Ankur and Kalyug. Yet he insists he never chased awards. “I’ve never been in the habit of expecting one,” he said. “Rewards are fine, but I didn’t sit around hoping for a trophy.”

When asked about advice for youngsters trying to break into the industry, his answer was simple and sincere: work hard and please the audience. “Cinema is, at its core, about the viewer,” he reminded, “so give them something genuine.”

He also hinted at a possible appearance at the upcoming National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22. “If they ask me, I can’t say no. After all, it’s a huge honour,” he smiled.

Beyond personal accolades, Nag used the moment to celebrate India’s linguistic diversity. “Our country makes movies in dozens of languages, and the love for cinema here is unrivaled,” he observed, adding that even abroad people come to experience Indian films, a phenomenon he believes Hollywood can’t match.

The award, delayed from its original schedule, follows last year’s recipient, Malayalam legend Mohanlal. As the curtain rises on this year’s ceremony, Nag’s words serve as both a tribute to his own journey and a reminder that transparency can breathe new life into even the oldest institutions.