Katrina Kaif to romance Rajinikanth

Katrina Kaif has scored the first big showbiz coup of 2012 – she's bagged the coveted role opposite legendary actor Rajinikanth in Kochadaiyaan, being directed by his daughter, Soundarya Ashwin.

Soundarya has confirmed the news saying, “Yes, we are indeed in talks with Katrina and we will let you know soon."

Kochadaiyaan, an epic love story of a king who is a devotee of Lord Shiva, will be shot in 3D.

Coming Up: The actresses who were lucky to work with the Thalaivar

Be it Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit or Vidya Balan, every actress dreams of working with superstar Rajinikanth. But only a few were lucky enough to do so. Take a look

If Aishwarya Rai Bachchan sizzled with Rajinikanth in Endhiran, then watch out for the much-younger Deepika as she pairs with him in the upcoming Rana, due to be revived after Kochadaiyaan.

Unprecedented glamour and grandeur sparkled on the silver screen when the world's most beautiful woman was paired opposite the country's biggest superstar.

Sridevi and Rajinikanth primarily did two genres of films with each other – first the anti-hero and later – the romantic. The pair were successful in both varieties.

A few months ago, Madhuri Dixit-Nene was in the news for refusing to romance Rajinikanth and turning down his offer to act in Rana. In 1987, Madhuri was paired opposite Rajinikanth in Uttar Dakshin.

In 1983, Rajinikanth was seen in the Bollywood flick Andha Kanoon with Hema Malini and Reena Roy. Amitabh Bachchan made a special appearance in the film as Rajnikanth's ally.

Shriya Saran was paired with Rajinikanth in the 2007 Tamil political thriller, Sivaji. The film was a hit globally.

Nayanthara appeared with Rajinikanth in an extended cameo role in the 2008 Tamil film Kuselan. The film faced flak for being projected as a Rajini starrer when in reality his appearance was an extended cameo.

Debuting in Bollywood as a child artist, Khushbu later moved to the South to try her luck in mainstream cinema. She's paired with Rajinikanth in several hit films, starting with Dharmathin Thalaivan (1988). Khushbu's last film with Rajinikanth is the 1992 Tamil action film, Pandiyan.

Rati Agnihotri has paired with Rajinikanth in films such as Murattu Kalai, Anbukku Naan Adimai, Kazhugu and Hindi movie John Jani Janardhan.

In a strange casting which left many industry insiders puzzled, Manisha Koirala was paired with Rajinikanth in the 2002 film, Baba.

South actress Madhavi was introduced in the Tamil film industry opposite Rajinikanth in the 1981 film Thillu Mullu. Her other films with Rajinikanth include Garjanai, Thambikku Entha Ooru, Un Kannil Neer Vazhindal and Viduthalai.

Telugu actress Gouthami Tadimalla has been seen with Rajinikanth in Dharma Dorai, a family drama. The film was later remade in Hindi as Tyagi with Rajinikanth and Jaya Prada in the lead.

Featuring a successful track by A R Rahman, the 1999 Tamil film Padayappa featured Ramya Krishnan opposite Rajnikanth. Sivaji Ganesan and Soundarya also starred in the film.

Actress-turned-director Revathy has been paired with Rajinikanth in films in the 80s.