Page 3, Veer Zaara, Saif bag 52nd national film awards...

New Delhi, (IANS) Saif Ali Khan and Thaara were named best actor and actress while Madhur Bhandarkar's "Page 3" was adjudged the best film of 2004 in the 52nd national film awards announced Wednesday.

"Page 3", a dark, satirical take on the intersecting worlds of fashion, journalism and films, also emerged a winner in the categories of screenplay and editing.

"I am especially happy as it was a difficult film, with many issues to talk about in just two hours and 10 minutes," an elated Bhandarkar said soon after the announcement.

The film was described as a "complex and daring attempt to expose the shallow world of Page 3 - a reference to the coverage of celebrities and parties by newspapers - in a savagely satirical and gently ironical way".

"When my 'Chandni Bar' had won national awards, I was thrilled. But I'm ecstatic about the awards for 'Page 3'," said Bhandarkar.

"When I started making the film, everyone laughed at me. They said no one would understand the concept of a socialite's story and that people in the interiors would reject it outright. The film has surprised me and everyone else."

Though "Page 3" was released in January 2005, it was certified by the censor board in 2003.

"I think the jury must have liked the fact that the film tackles several socially relevant issues all at once. I feel a film that has a positive message for the audience always has a better chance at the national awards," Bhandarkar said.

Saif, the son of cricket legend Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi and actress Sharmila Tagore, won the award for Kunal Kohli's "Hum Tum".

He was commended by the 17-member jury, headed by filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, for his "sheer ease, subtlety and spontaneity in portraying a complex and demanding role".

Pre-empting any scepticism on the choice of Saif, a popular but underrated actor, Mishra said the jury was prepared to defend its decision.

"We felt all the time actors are honoured only for heavy duty performances... acting should not be all about trembling lips... it can be equally difficult to skate through emotions," Mishra remarked.

The best actress award was bagged by Thaara for her performance in the Kannada film "Hasina", in which she portrays a young Muslim wife boldly questioning the outdated traditions of her community.

Both Saif and Thaara will receive a citation and cash prize of Rs.10,000.

The award for the most popular film providing wholesome entertainment was shared by Yash Chopra's "Veer Zaara" and Tamil director Cheran's "Autograph".

Rituparno Ghosh, whose "Raincoat" won the award for best feature film in Hindi, said: "The film `Veer-Zaara' was significant for its India-Pakistan theme."

"It makes no sense to give the awards for best film and best director to two different sources. However, I'm very happy for Madhur. 'Page 3' is quite an achievement," he added.

The Nargis Dutt award for the best film on national integration went to Shyam Benegal's "Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose - The Forgotten Hero" on one of India's most controversial and mystery-shrouded independence heroes.

The best director was Buddhadeb Dasgupta for "Swapner Din".

The best supporting actor award went to Bengali film actor Haradhan Banerjee for "Krantikaal".

Banerjee, a veteran of many celebrated Bangla films and also a regular in Satyajit Ray's movies, has been commended for his "subtle yet powerful portrayal" of a helpless bed-ridden royal.

Malayalam actress Sheela bagged the best supporting actress award for Malayalam film "Akale", for the grace with which she depicts the tragedy of a community fading away.

The best child artiste award has been given to Om Bhutakar for the Hindi film "Chhota Sipahi", in which he plays a naïve boy who gradually evolves into a patriot during the Goa liberation movement.

The critically acclaimed film "Swades" was able to make its presence felt in the category of playback singing - the award for which went to Udit Narayan - and cinematography.

The award for the best female playback singer was given to Chitra for her songs in the film "Autograph".

pEnergetic actor-dancer Prabhu Deva won the national award for best choreography in the Hindi film "Lakshya". His work was described as "spectacular and imaginative" by the jury.

"Amu", the English language film depicting the trauma of the 1984 riots and made by Shonali Bose, bagged an award for best feature film in English.

The award for best non-feature film, chosen by a separate jury, went to Marathi film "Girni" directed by Umesh Vinayak Kulkarni.

Another Marathi film "Dwijaa" was declared the best film on social issues.

The award for the best book on cinema was given to "Stardust-Vignettes from the Fringes of the Film Industry".

Namrata Joshi has been chosen the best film critic.