Doctorates for Mammootty and Adoor

The University of Kerala (established in Thiruvananthapuram in 1873 during the reign of Maharajah Ayilyam Thirunal) announced on Tuesday that honorary doctorates will be conferred on veteran Malayalam superstar Mammootty, ace film maker Adoor Gopalakrishnan and Mridangam exponent Umalayalpuram K. Shivaraman.

Confirming the news, Mammootty said that he is delighted on being conferred with the honour. "Yes, this is my first honorary doctorate. I am being told that another university in Kerala is also considering me. Any award is recognition and I am really happy about this one," Mammootty said to a news agency on Wednesday.

Mammootty is currently busy with Pattanathil Bhootham directed by Johnny Antony of CID Moosa, Kochi Raajaavu and Thuruppugulaan fame. Pattanathil Bhootham is expected to hit theatres during Vishu 2009.