Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, who had portrayed the role of southern sex siren Silk Smitha in ‘The Dirty Picture’, won the best actress award in the National Film Awards announced by the jury.

Actress Rohini Hattangady, who was the chairperson of the Feature Films Jury (Central Panel), announced the 59th National Film Awards at a media conference in Delhi today.  The awards will be presented to the winners at a special function on May 3, she said.

Actor Girish Kulkarni got the best actor award for his role in the Marathi film ‘Deool’ which along with ‘Byari’ shared the honours for the best feature film.

‘I Am’, directed by Onir, was honoured with the best Hindi feature film award. (J)