SURPRISE surprise...Devdas blew away the opposition at the annual Filmfare Awards.

Despite criticism from some quarters producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali had the last laugh, "Everyone asked me why I put in so much money into the story of a loser, but it turned out to be a winner."

The story of the lovelorn alcoholic won 11 awards, including best director (Sanjay Leela Bhansali), best actor (Shah Rukh Khan), best actress (Aishwarya Rai) and best supporting actress (Madhuri Dixit).

The other big winner of the night was low budget film Saathiya, which won a number of awards that included best music (AR Rahman), lyrics (Gulzar) and screenplay (Mani Ratnam).

The absent Ajay Devgan secured a moral victory because he won two trophies in the critics' best actor category for his portrayal of an underworld don in Company and a revolutionary freedom fighter in The Legend of Bhagat Singh. He also bagged the best actor in a villainous role for his portrayal of a schizophrenic in Deewangee. Hotshot newcomer Vivek Oberoi won the best male debutant and best supporting actor (Company).

The function which took place at the MMRDA grounds in Bandra-Kurla complex also gave lifetime achievements awards to legendary actor Jeetendra and Seventies siren Rekha.

Added to the awards there were stunning performances from Vivek Oberoi, Aishwarya Rai and super model Yana Gupta.

The biggest stars of the evening were perhaps the two super star hosts Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan who drove the evening with a series of great one liners.