Versatile actor Kamal Haasan [Images] has been named the ambassador of 'Hridhaya Ragam II,' a project launched by World Malayalee Council (WMC) to facilitate free cardio surgeries for 100 downtrodden children this year.

"I am a Malayalee as much as I am a Tamilian. The Malayalam film industry adopted me even before director Balachander introduced me in Tamil films. I owe this to Malayalees," Kamal told reporters in Chennai.

Stating that art had the power to erase border lines, he said he considered it as a duty and not a favour to support the project.

The WMC, in association with the Madras Medical Mission and 'Malayala Manorama' group of publication, would provide a new lease of life to 100 children suffering from cardio disorder.

For the noble cause, a fundraiser 'Mega musical feast' titled 'Shoba Hridayaragam' will be organised here on February 24.

All leading music directors and singers in the Malayalam film industry would take part in the through the feast, he said. Music maestro Ilayaraja will inaugurate the event.