“Bharat is my Janmabhoomi, Karnataka my Karmabhoomi, and this is Dharmabhoomi too”: Anant Nag

Veteran actor Shri Anant Nag was conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony held at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat. Expressing deep gratitude for the recognition, the veteran actor stated that, he was overwhelmed by the grandeur of the ceremony and humbled to receive the highest honor in Indian cinema.

Recalling his early life, Shri Anant Nag shared that he grew up in an ashram before moving to Mumbai, where his acting journey began on the theatre stage. Invoking the verses of saint-poet Kanakadasa, he noted that while individuals pursue various paths to sustain themselves, his own journey naturally led him to the world of cinema. He emphasized that theatre served as the bedrock of his career, having acted in nearly 50 plays before transitioning to films, including seminal works with acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal. He further highlighted his conscious choice to dedicate his craft to Kannada cinema, making Karnataka his Karmabhoomi.

Reflecting on his continuous recognition, Shri Anant Nag recalled being honored with the Padma Bhushan by the Hon’ble President last year, adding that receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award this year filled him with gratitude.

Dedicating the award to everyone who played a role in his seven-decade-long journey, Shri Anant Nag stated that, the accolade belongs not to him alone, but to the countless colleagues who worked tirelessly alongside him and the millions of audience members who embraced his work with affection.

Concluding his address, Shri Anant Nag remarked, "Bharat is my Janmabhoomi, Karnataka as my Karmabhoomi, and this is Dharmabhoomi too." He reaffirmed that these three dimensions have guided his life and career and extended his heartfelt thanks to the nation for its enduring support.

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