Pavithra Srinivasan in Chennai
Rajinikanth's fans are ecstatic this year because the superstar celebrates his birthday on a special date: 12.12.12.
He is known for his smashing verbal punches on-screen, his rocking style and charismatic presence, and his dialogues are so famous they have almost passed into folklore.
As we celebrate his birthday, we look back on some of Rajini's most famous one-liners.
'Pera kettaale chumma adhirudhulla!'
('Doesn't everything quake at the mere mention of my name?')
Film: Sivaji
This line was delivered with the superstar's inimitable style and passion in Shankar's blockbuster Sivaji, currently being re-released with much fanfare in 3D.
Rajini's character uses it zealously against his nemesis, a scheming kingmaker and business magnate, Adiseshan.
'Who's the Black Sheep? Mehhh!'
Film: Enthiran
Imitated quite frequently in popular culture, the evil Robot of Shankar's Endhiran utters these chilling words to much effect in a bid to unearth the human spy and, incidentally, his own creator, amidst a whole battalion of clones in a battle of wits.
'En vazhi, thani vazhi ...'
('My way is my own')
Film: Padayappa
This is said proudly in that impressively deep voice to his unstoppable enemy Nilambari, when she dares to make him an arrogant proposal of marriage.
The dialogue was a huge hit with the fans.
'Naan oru thadava sonna, nooru thadava sonna maadiri ...'
('If I say something even once, it's as though I've said it a hundred times')
Film: Baasha
It's a line that has carved a place for itself in Tamil cinema.
The underworld kingpin Baasha growls it out against his foe in Suresh Krssna's movie by the same name.
'Andavan solraan; Arunachalam mudikkaraan'
Film: Arunachalam
Sundar C's Arunachalam came when interest in Rajini's possible political career and his devotion to God was at its height.
The film is about a man who must undergo his father's bizarre test in order to receive his inheritance.
It's Arunachalam's complete faith in a higher power that ultimately raises him to greatness.
'Idhu eppdi irukku?'
('How's this?')
Film: 16 Vayadhinile
Who would have thought that a ruffian in Bharathiraja's 16 Vayadhinile, sporting a scruffy look to suit his name, Parattai, could walk away with one of the most iconic punch-dialogues in the history of Tamil cinema?
And yet, that's what happened -- the line was delivered with such a smirk and spirit that it swiftly became one of Rajini's cherished taglines on-screen.
'Malai, da. Anna-malai'
Film: Annamalai
As a naive milkman who cherishes friendship above everything else, Annamalai is transformed into a tower of energy and strength when he utters these words as he faces his one-time friend now a foe, when the latter faces defeat.
'Naan eppo varuven, epdi varuvennu yarukkum theriyathu. Aana vara vendiya nerathula...'
Film: Muthu
Rajini captivated the hearts of millions, including a charmed Japanese audience, with his turn as Muthu, a servant in his own household.
This being the time when his political entry was hotly debated, it made an excellent reference to his personal decision as well, allowing for eager anticipation amongst not just fans, but the general public too.
'Gatham, gatham. Mudinjadhu mudinjupochu'
('What's over is over')
Film: Baba
As a good for nothing guy who changes his lifestyle after a spiritual intervention, Baba makes this statement not just to his erstwhile lover, but to those watching the movie as well.
'Indtha Alex Pandian pera solli parunga; innoru kaiyala amma vaiyayum moodum'
('Mention the name Alex Pandian and the baby in the womb will put out another hand and cover his mother's mouth as well')
Film: Moondru Mugam
That's a response to the evil villain's vainglorious speech about how his name inspires even an unborn child to fear, but Moondru Mugam's Alex Pandian, a daring, dashing cop makes even these challenges seem like child's play.
'See-eeviduven!'
Film: Murattu Kaalai
In Murattu Kaalai, Rajini is a hero in every way possible and a good man, as evidenced by the way he's celebrated after winning in sport.
But nowhere is his spirit more evident than when he delivers this line with lethal force to the evil henchman who has tied up his own younger brothers in an orchard.
'Idhu Rajini Style'
Film: Aadu Puli Aattam
Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan may have been pitted against each other in Aadu Puli Aattam, but this particular dialogue of the superstar caught everyone's fancy.
Decades after the film was released, it is still the watchword among his fans.
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