Rishab Shetty has congratulated veteran actor Anant Nag on receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, recalling his childhood admiration for the actor and describing the opportunity to later direct him as a great honour.

Rishab Shetty celebrates Anant Nag’s prestigious honour
Actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty expressed his happiness after veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, the highest recognition in Indian cinema. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the honour on Anant Nag during the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony held at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on September 22, 2026. Rishab said the recognition was a proud and emotional moment for admirers of the celebrated actor, whose career has influenced generations of film lovers and artists.

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Rishab recalls watching Anant Nag during childhood
Sharing a heartfelt message in Kannada, Rishab recalled growing up watching Anant Nag on television while sitting on the floor at home. He said getting the opportunity years later to direct the actor he had admired since childhood was a great honour. In his English message, Rishab congratulated Padma Bhushan Anant Nag and praised his natural performances, simplicity and deep love for cinema. He added that the veteran star had inspired generations of actors and filmmakers and expressed pride at seeing him receive Indian cinema’s top honour.

Their collaboration in acclaimed Kannada film
Rishab Shetty and Anant Nag share a notable professional association through the 2018 Kannada film Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shale, Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai. Directed by Rishab, the film featured Anant Nag in a prominent role and became one of the filmmaker’s acclaimed works. The story centred on students and teachers of a Kannada-medium school in Kasaragod, Kerala. The film later won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada, further strengthening Rishab’s reputation as a filmmaker.

Anant Nag adds another milestone to five-decade career
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award marks another major achievement in Anant Nag’s career spanning more than five decades. Known for his natural acting style and versatility, he has worked extensively in Kannada cinema while also appearing in films across several Indian languages. The latest honour recognises his long-standing contribution to Indian cinema and adds the country’s highest cinematic recognition to an already distinguished career. Rishab’s tribute also highlighted the personal impact Anant Nag has had on younger generations who grew up watching his performances and later entered the film industry themselves.