Bengaluru, September 23 (Daily Kiran) : Bengaluru’s Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara extended heartfelt congratulations to veteran actor Anant Nag on Wednesday, following his selection for the esteemed Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honor in Indian cinema. Speaking in the state assembly, Parameshwara emphasized that this award is not easily bestowed upon just anyone in the film industry.
He highlighted the significance of Anant Nag receiving such a prestigious accolade, noting that recognizing an artist’s achievements at the national level serves to inspire the entire film and art community in contemporary times.
Reflecting on Anant Nag’s illustrious career, Parameshwara mentioned that the actor began his journey in the 1970s with theater before transitioning to television. He noted that Anant Nag, who has acted in over 70 plays, along with his brother and fellow actor Shankar Nag, brought a refreshing wave to the Kannada film industry.
Parameshwara pointed out that Anant Nag carved out a unique identity for himself during a time when stalwarts like Dr. Rajkumar and Vishnuvardhan dominated the scene. He was among those who led the new wave of Kannada cinema that emerged in the 1970s.
The Deputy Chief Minister also acknowledged Anant Nag’s brief political career, during which he was appointed to the Karnataka Legislative Council from 1989 to 1994 and later won a seat in the Malleshwaram constituency in 1994. He served as a minister in the state government but eventually stepped back from active politics to continue his artistic pursuits.
Parameshwara noted that Anant Nag has won five film awards, a testament to his artistic talent. He remarked on the rarity of winning even a single award, making Anant Nag’s five accolades a significant achievement.
Having appeared in over 300 films, Anant Nag gradually reduced his involvement in cinema, adopting a more simplistic lifestyle in his later years. Parameshwara regarded this extensive filmography as one of the major contributions an actor can make to the industry.
He also recalled that Dr. Rajkumar was the first actor from the Kannada film industry to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Nearly three decades later, Anant Nag has been honored with this prestigious award for his talent and contributions to cinema, which is a testament to his exceptional abilities.
Born in Bhatkal and later settling in Bengaluru, Anant Nag has acted in films across various languages, bringing recognition to the film industry through his work. Parameshwara concluded by expressing pride in the state for honoring Anant Nag with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, offering his warm congratulations on behalf of the state government.
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