New Delhi: Saif Ali Khan pulled off a surprise at the National Film Awards, winning the Best Actor Award for his performance in Hindi film `Hum Tum' pipping to the post other strong contenders like Shahrukh Khan, while the mainstream `Page 3' ruled the roost, winning three honours, including the Best Feature Film Award.

Kannada actress Thaara won the Best Actress Award for her powerful portrayal of a young Muslim wife boldly questioning the traditional laws of her community in the film `Hasina' at the 52nd National Film Awards announced here today.
The award for Best Popular Film providing wholesome entertainment was shared by Yash Chopra's `Veer Zaara' and Tamil film `Autograph'.

Veteran filmmaker Buddhadeb Dasgupta won the Best Direction Award for the Bengali film `Swapner Din' for his complex handling of the socio-political situation in West Bengal.

Saif Ali Khan beat other contenders such as Shahrukh Khan (Swades), Vijay Raaz (Hari Om) and Subodhro (Krantikaal) to win the Best Actor Award for his role in the frothy romantic comedy `Hum Tum', for what the jurors described as "his sheer ease, subtlety and spontaneity in portraying a complex and demanding role."

Chairman of the Jury for Feature Films, Sudhir Mishra defended the choice of Saif, saying, "Shahrukh in Swades was not a bad performance. There were other performances also which were good. But here is an actor who is approaching a role in a different way."