Top 10 Rajinikanth roles

Endhiran (2010): It's not easy to match steps with the world's most beautiful woman (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) but nothing is impossible for the star who many say doesn't rule the box-office, but owns it. The super-fun sci-fi flick, a technical marvel, effortlessly walked away with a slew of awards and box-office records.

Sivaji (2007): This film of political intrigue received a phenomenal response in India and overseas. Rajinikanth plays Sivaji Arumugam, the suave NRI, who fights, romances and dances in his inimitable style.

Chandramukhi (2005): Rajinikanth plays Saravanan, a psychiatrist, with his trademark charisma. The film introduces Rajinikanth through a stunt sequence and special effects to set the mood

Padayappa (1999): Rajinikanth plays upright engineer Padayappa in this Tamil drama. The superstar was hailed for his positive energy in the film which became a blockbuster by earning over Rs 20 crore in profit.

Baashha (1995): Among Rajinikanth's best-loved roles for his punch dialogues and mannerisms. Rajinikanth plays an auto-driver in the film which is an adaptation of the Hindi film Hum, starring Amitabh Bachchan.

Muthu (1995): Muthu was special for two reasons - firstly it was the first Rajini movie which had music by AR Rahman and secondly it was the first Indian movie to be dubbed in Japanese. The movie ran for 85 days in 55 centres in Tamil Nadu itself. Rajnikanth features as Muthu and Zamindar, Muthu's father.

Veera (1994): A romantic-comedy, Veera became one of the highest grossing films of 1994. Rajinikanth plays Muthu who comes to the city from his village to participate in a singing competition.

Geraftaar (1985): Rajinikanth played an extended cameo in this film starring Kamal Haasan and Amitabh Bachchan. Cinema's biggest stars in one frame for the first time was enough to ensure the movie rocked the box-office. After Geraftaar, Rajini did a couple of other hit Hindi films like Chaalbaaz and Hum.

Andha Kanoon (1983): Also starring Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, this was Rajini's first Bollywood movie. The movie became one of the highest grossing movies of that time.

Billa (1980): A remake of the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Don, Billa had Rajinikanth play a dual role. The movie went on to become Rajinikanth's first-ever commercial success.