Bengaluru, Sep 16 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka on Wednesday congratulated veteran Kannada actor Ananth Nag on being bestowed with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, describing the honour as a matter of pride for Kannadigas and a recognition of his immense contribution to Indian cinema.
Congratulating Ananth Nag, Shivakumar said the veteran actor was an outstanding artiste and a multi-faceted talent whose long and distinguished career had made an immense contribution to Kannada and Indian cinema.
The Chief Minister said the Government of India had conferred the prestigious honour in recognition of Ananth Nag’s contribution to the Indian film industry, his decades-long artistic journey and his service to cinema through his distinctive acting.
“Heartfelt congratulations to Ananth Nag. His artistic journey will always remain an inspiration for generations to come,” Shivakumar said.
Kumaraswamy, in a statement issued in New Delhi, also congratulated Ananth Nag and described the award as a matter of pride for Karnataka.
“Heartfelt congratulations to Ananth Nag, the pride of Karnataka, on being selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024,” Kumaraswamy said.
He described Ananth Nag as one of the finest actors Kannada cinema had produced and said he was synonymous with natural acting and expression. Ananth Nag was a rare talent in Indian cinema, he added.
“It is a matter of pride for Kannadigas that such an accomplished artiste has been honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. After the legendary Dr Rajkumar, Ananth Nag has added another feather to the crown of Kannada,” Kumaraswamy said.
He extended his best wishes to Ananth Nag and expressed hope that the veteran actor would continue to contribute to Kannada cinema and the state in the coming years.
Vijayendra also congratulated Ananth Nag on being selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, saying the honour was a matter of pride for the people of Karnataka.
He said Ananth Nag was among the finest actors Kannada cinema had produced and was known for his natural acting and expressive performances. He described him as a rare talent in Indian cinema.
“His acting, multi-faceted talent and contribution over several decades have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, particularly Kannada cinema. He has brought life to every character he portrayed,” Vijayendra said.
The state BJP president said the conferment of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award was a true recognition of the distinguished artiste and his contribution to cinema.
Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R. Ashoka said: “Kannada’s proud veteran actor and multi-faceted artiste Ananth Nag being conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award is a moment of pride for all Kannadigas.
Over his several-decade-long artistic journey, he has brought diverse characters to life and made an immense contribution to Indian cinema, particularly Kannada cinema, through his natural acting and extraordinary talent.
Ananth Nag is highly deserving of one of the country’s highest honours in cinema. Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to him.”
–IANS
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