New Delhi: It was a proud moment for film producer Altaf Hussain of Mangalore in Delhi, when he received the Best Feature film award on his debut, for ‘Byari’ in the same language at the 59th national film awards.

He was also the leading male character in the movie, and received his appreciation from Vice-president Hamid Ansari, a Fellow Muslim, on Thursday in a ceremony that saw regional films getting more awards than Bollywood. Ambika Soni, Union Information minister was present.

As President Prathiba Patil was on a Vacation, Ansari presided over the function held at renowned Vigyan Bhavan hall. Vidya Balan was named the best actress.

Veteran Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee, who was in a dozen old Satyajit Ray films, received a lifetime Dadasaheb Phalke award to the applause of a whole house.

Kannada director Girish Kasaravalli picked up his 12th national award for ‘Kurmavatara’ adjudged the best Kannada film.

The ceremony was hosted by actor Vinay Pathak and actress Soumya Tandon. Anand Bhate was the best playback singer for ‘Balaganharva’.