He studied in multiple schools across Karnataka before moving to Mumbai for higher studies.
His brother, Shankar Nag, was also a legendary actor and director.
He has won multiple Filmfare Awards South for Best Actor in films like Naa Ninna Bidalaare (1979), Bara (1982), Hendthighelbedi (1989), and Udbhava (1990).
He has acted in parallel cinema and theatre, apart from mainstream films.
He is one of the few actors to successfully balance careers in cinema and politics.