It was Black night at the Filmfare awards. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s compelling film took all the substantial awards at the 51st Fair One Annual Filmfare Awards. Moreover, for the first time this year Amitji was there to receive his awards in person.

As expected, Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee’s powerful portrayals in Black won them the prestigious Best Actor and Best Actress awards. As well as seizing a handful of other technical and popular awards, Amitabh and Rani won the Critics' Awards.

The Best Film Award was given to Black and Bhansali took Best Director. Amitabh and Bhansali were appropriately dressed in Black, Rani all white. Amitabh received a standing ovation. He thanked everyone for their prayers and good wishes that helped him get well. Jaya Bachchan watched emotionally from the audience.

Best Supporting Actor Filmfare went to the younger Bachchan for Sarkar, who opined that his father was the greatest actor ever. No one seemed to baulk.

The rocking "Right Here, Right Now" from Bluffmaster was performed by Abhishek. He followed some magnificent performances, including a scarce outing by Madhuri Dixit ,as well as Aishwarya Rai performing a sensual remix of "Kajra Re".

By way of tribute to Praveen Babi, Shamita Shetty performing some the late stars popular songs. Even down to the costume, which was very Babi and could be compared to the gold body suit worn in "Namak Halal" for "Jawaani Jaaneman".

Others who took home a statuette included Shiny Ahuja who won the award for Best Male Debutant and has been doing very well with "Hazaron Khwaishein Ais" .

His female equivalent was Vidya Balan for Parineeta, it was a second award that evening for her; earlier having been declared Face of the Year.

Nana Patekar was, as expected, the winner in the negative role category for Apaharan. Filmfare for Best Actor in a Comic Role went to Akshay Kumar for Garam Masala. Ayesha Kapoor was Best Supporting Actress for Black, but was not present to accept the award.

Himesh Reshammiya won Best Playback Singer Male for Aashiq Banaya Aapne, Alisha Chinoy Best Female Singer for "Kajra Re". The rest of the music awards were for Bunty Aur Babli, which won Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy the award for best music and Gulzar for best lyrics in "Kajra Re".

A Lifetime Achievement Award went to Shabana Azmi.