It was a surprise for many in political and film circles, when they came to know that Superstar Rajinikanth called on DMK president and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi in Chennai on Saturday.

Within no time, the top actor of Tamil cinema himself came out with an explanation. Emerging out of the meeting at Karunanidhi's Gopalapuram residence, Rajini told reporters: "This is just a courtesy call."

He added: "I was out of town when Karunanidhi celebrated his birthday on June 3. So I could not wish him in person. Now that am back from Bangalore, I came here to greet him."

Karunanidhi's wife Dayalu Ammal, his son and former Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin were present during the meeting, which lasted for more than 30 minutes. From Gopalapuram, Rajini drove straight to his Poes Garden residence.