Sobha Hridaya Ragam 2008, the musical and dance show, was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium on February 24. The programme, organised to raise funds to treat 125 children with congenital heart diseases from poor families, was graced by the presence of Ulaga Naayagan Kamal Haasan, the project ambassador.

The versatile actor, clad in black dress, was greeted with a standing ovation to the dais. The multi talented personality entertained the audience by singing two songs – ‘Ninaivo Oru Paravai’ in Tamil and ‘Kiliye Kili Kili Kiliye’ in Malayalam. He expressed his desire to act in a Malayalam language movie. Actor Shobana along with her students presented a Bharathanatyam performance on the occasion.

A total of 32 singers and music directors from the Malayalam film world participated for free. Senior music directors Dakshinamoorthi, M. K. Arjunan, and Ousepachan; film director Vinayan, singers P. Jayachandran, Sujatha Mohan, Ganga, George Peter, Francis, Manjari, Santhosh Kesavan, Vipin Xavier and Remi Tommy performed all time Malayalam favourite hits. Artists from the Tamil film industry who participated included music director Vidyasagar and singers Tipu and Karthik.

The programme started with a fusion song based on Saint Thyagaraja’s “Entharo Mahanubhavulu”. Mr. Jayachandran performed Aal ila thaali, Sujatha sang Priyathama from the film Pranayakalam, Jassie Gift and Remi Tommy sang Mathaapoove.

The event was organised by the World Malayalee Council — Chennai Province, Madras Medical Mission and Malayala Manorama.

A cheque worth Rs 75 lakh was handed over to Vergese Eapen of Madras Medical Mission by Praveen from world Malayalee Council. Malayala Manorama Senior General Manager Lal John was also present on the occasion.