Anant Nag On Turning Down KGF-Style Films, Including One With Jr NTR And Pawan Kalyan: 'I Have Moved On From That Genre' | EXCLUSIVE
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Veteran Kannada actor and former Karnataka Minister Anant Nag speaks to Times Now, addressing his limited appearances in films in recent years
Veteran Kannada actor and former Karnataka Minister Anant Nag speaks to Times Now, addressing his limited appearances in films in recent years. Known for his memorable cameo as Anand Ingalagi, the author of El Dorado, in 'KGF Chapter 1' starring Rocking Star Yash, Anant Nag's last on-screen role was in the Kannada science fiction film Mandala: The UFO Incident.
With an illustrious career spanning over five decades, veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag is a force to be reckoned with in the film industry.
Apart from several notable on-screen performances, Anant Nag has also served as a Karnataka Minister in the 1996 cabinet of then Chief Minister J.H. Patel. While revered by earlier generations for his versatility, today's audiences recognise him for his powerful cameo as Anand Ingalagi, the author of El Dorado, in the blockbuster KGF: Chapter 1 starring Rocking Star Yash.
"I am sorry to say this, but such scripts have drained my zeal for acting. At this phase of life, working purely for money does not make sense. That is why I have chosen to stay away unless I am offered a sensible role," he added.
Following his performance as Anand Ingalagi, author of El Dorado in KGF Chapter 1 starring Rocking Star Yash, Anant Nag has been getting offers from various film industries, including Bollywood. However, the senior actor has been particular about his projects, declining roles that do not resonate with him.
Declining Jr NTR and Pawan Kalyan starrer films
"Recently, I was approached for a film starring Jr. NTR, which I politely declined. Another offer came for a film featuring the current Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. I was asked to play the foster father of the lead character. When I learned that Pawan Kalyan was playing the hero, I was surprised. I wondered how he could manage acting while handling political responsibilities," Anant Nag said, recalling his own experience as a minister.
"When I was in politics and made the Urban Development Minister in 1996, the then Chief Minister J.H. Patel had advised me to step away from acting, and I stayed away from films for over three and a half years."
He also revealed that the same film cast (Pawan Kalyan starrer) Bobby Deol as the antagonist, with his character serving as the link between the protagonist and villain.
Anant Nag explained that after KGF Chapter 1, he consciously avoided similar roles. "I even turned down KGF Chapter 2. I made it clear that I would not act in films of that genre again. While I am grateful for the offers, I have chosen to step back."
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