President Pratibha Patil on Friday gave away the Best Actor award to Dhanush for his performance in 'Aadukalam', at the 58th National Film Awards at a glittering function in Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

Others from Kollywood who were honoured with National Awards at the function were Saranya Ponvannan (Best Actress - 'Thenmerku Paruvakaatru'), Vairamuthu (Best Lyricist - 'Thenmerku Paruvakaatru'), Vetrimaran (Best Screenplay and Direction - 'Aadukalam'), Thambi Ramaiah (Best Supporting Actor - 'Mynaa'), Kishore (Best Edting - 'Aadukalam'), Dinesh (Best Choreography - 'Aadukalam') and a special award for Jayapalan, who beautifully enacted the Pettaikaran role in 'Aadukalam'. 'Thenmerku Paruvakatru' was honoured with the Best Film Award in the regional movies category.

Also, art director Sabu Cyril and special effects expert Srinivas M Mohan were presented the National Awards for their work in Superstar Rajinikanth starrer 'Enthiran', directed by Shankar and produced by Sun Pictures.

Speaking on the occasion, both Pratibha Patil and Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni emphasized the role that films can play in India's emergence as a "soft power" on the global platform.