Noted Tamil actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan was conferred an honorary doctorate by the Sathyabhama deemed university at a star- studded event here.

Kamal received the doctorate Monday night dressed appropriately in a red convocation gown. Receiving the degree from the university's chancellor Jeppiar on what was the 88th birth anniversary of the late thespian-politician M.G. Ramachandran, Kamal said it was the most joyous moment in his life.

"I am proud to be honoured by intellectuals, learned men and literates even though I am illiterate," said the versatile actor, whose recent "Vasoolraja M.B.B.S." has been a huge hit.

Among those who praised Kamal's multi-faceted capabilities was director K. Balachander, who introduced the actor to Hindi audiences in "Ek Duje Ke Liye" in 1970s. "Gone are the days when I taught him to act, now, I want him to teach me to direct," Balachander said.

An emotional Kamal responded by saying: "As a son it is my duty to say that it is he (Balachander) who had made me an actor."

A note from Rajanikant, who was away in Hyderabad shooting for his latest movie "Chandramukhi", was read out. "I am proud of my very good friend Kamal Haasan and I am sure there is more to come," Rajanikant said.

Others who were present on the occasion were director Bharatiraaja and R.C. Sakthi, actors Vijaykanth, Sivakumar, Prabhu, Prashant, Vivek and Napoleon and representatives of producers and distributors' associations.

Earlier in the day, Kamal had donated Rs.2.1 million to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund for tsunami victims in the state.