Updated

New Delhi, Apr 7 (IANS): Sonam Kapoor-starrer "Neerja" has been chosen as the Best Hindi film at the 64th National Film Awards, announced here on Friday.

Sonam has received a special mention for her "convincing performance of a real life icon".

The movie is based on airhostess Neerja Bhanot, who displayed utmost courage to deal with armed terrorists and sacrificed her life to save others.

The braveheart gave up her life two days before she would have turned 23, to save a large group of American children during a hijack of a Pan-Am flight by terrorists at the Karachi International Airport in Pakistan on September 5, 1986.

An inspirational tale, the film, directed by Ram Madhvani, was appreciated for its performances by Sonam and Shabana Azmi, who played her mother on screen.

In the Best Special Effects category, Ajay Devgn's "Shivaay" took away the accolades.

Akshay Kumar was chosen as Best Actor for "Rustom" and Surabhi C.M. was named Best Actress for Malayalam movie "Minnaminungu - The Firefly" .

Akshay's performance in crime thriller "Rustom" -- a film loosely based on the
commander K.M. Nanavati case -- has been lauded for "a perfect portrayal of a character caught in personal and social turmoil".

Surabhi has been honoured for showcasing her brilliance in portraying pain and ecstasy of a mother in a deplorable social condition in the Malayalam film.

In the Best Supporting Actor category, veteran actor Manoj Joshi has won for Marathi film "Dashakriya", and among the actresses, Kashmiri talent Zaira Wasim's "portrayal of a female sportsperson's battle with the society with utmost maturity" in "Dangal" has been awarded by the jury.

Zaira had played young Geeta Phogat in "Dangal".

The 64th National Film Awards jury was chaired by veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan.