Johannesburg: 'Devdas' lost Parvati in reel life but the blockbuster by Sanjay Leela Bhansali swept the top honours at the fourth International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards.

In a virtual dream run for the film, known more for its opulent sets than the famous Bengali novel on which it is based, IIFA, known as Indian version of Oscars, decorated 'Devdas' with seven top honours in the popular category, including the best picture.

The film fetched Bhansali the best director award, Shahrukh Khan the best actor and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai the best female lead role.

'Devdas' also won the awards for lyricist (Nusrat Badr), female playback singer (Shreya Ghosal, Kavita Krishnamurti), and best supporting actress (Kiron Kher).

However, neither Shahrukh, recuperating from a back surgery, nor Aishwarya, now in Paris as part of Cannes Film Festival jury, could make it to the ceremony. Both sent televised messages thanking people for their love and affection.

'Devdas' made a fighter and a warrior out of me. I thank the people who gave their best to me, fought with me and worked with me," said Bhansali, who came on stage with his mother who "taught me to pray with knees down and head high".

PTI