Veteran actor Kamal Hassan not only surprised everyone by attending the Sandalwood celebrations at the Indian Film Industry Centenary Ceremony in Chennai on Sunday but also said that he wants to be a Kannadiga.

Kamal Hassan in his speech said, 'artistes does not have language barriers. They are a part of every language they act. I have also acted in Kannada and I also want to be a Kannadiga. We artistes are one wherever we are. I am a proof for that. Look at Bharathi Vishnuvardhan, Jayanthi and other artistes. They have acted in all languages and they fit for all the languages' said Kamal Hassan.

Kamal Hassan said that the contribution of Kannada cinema to Indian cinema is big. 'There was a time, when the whole of India was keenly looking at Kannada cinema. My guru K Balachandar used to advise us to go to Bangalore and see Kannada films in the 70s and 80s. Let the type of films come yet again' said Kamal.

The veteran actor said he is delighted to be a part of the function. 'Someone thanked me for coming here. It is my function. Even if they had not invited, I would have definitely come here. This type of functions should happen everywhere. Many awardees here are my friends. I belong to Kannada' said Kamal Hassan.