Rishab Shetty recalls childhood in moving tribute to Anant Nag after Dadasaheb win

Actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty congratulated veteran actor Anant Nag after he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, describing the honour as a moment of immense happiness for every fan of the celebrated actor. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the award on Nag at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on September 22.Rishab wrote his tribute in Kannada, recalling how he grew up watching Anant Nag on television and later got the opportunity to direct his favourite actor. “As someone who grew up sitting on the floor and watching you on TV during my childhood, getting the opportunity to direct you is a great honour for me,” he wrote.He further wrote in Kannada that seeing his favourite actor receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour in Indian cinema, from the President was a moment that would fill every fan with happiness.In English, Rishab wrote, “Hearty Congratulations to Padma Bhushan Sri Anant Nag Sir on receiving the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Your natural performances, simplicity and love for cinema have inspired generations, including many of us. Truly happy and proud to see you receive this honour, Sir.” Rishab and Anant Nag share a special professional association through Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shale, Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai. Rishab directed the 2018 Kannada film, which featured Anant Nag in a prominent role and went on to become one of the filmmaker’s highly acclaimed works. The film, which revolves around the children and teachers of a Kannada-medium school in Kasaragod, Kerala, won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada. For Anant Nag, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award marks another major milestone in a career spanning more than five decades. The veteran actor was honoured for his contribution to Indian cinema, adding the country’s highest cinematic recognition to a career that has seen him work across Kannada and several other Indian languages.- EndsPublished On: Sep 23, 2026 16:49 IST