Superstar Shah Rukh Khan was elated when Rajinikanth called him up and praised the "naughty" number "Thalaiva tribute (Lungi dance)", a special track in honour of the legendary actor in "Chennai Express".

"He (Rajinikanth) called me three days back and he saw the video on YouTube. He said it's very good, very naughty, very sweet.

He said, 'It's really nice that you have done this song'. I'm very happy that Rajini sir is happy with the song and the family is happy," Shah Rukh told reporters here at a press conference Wednesday.

The 47-year-old actor said that he called Rajinikanth and his daughter Soundarya, and took his permission for the song, sung by rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh.

"As gracious, humble and sweet he is, he said, 'Why are you doing it, sir? You are such a big star yourself'. He said it so sweetly. I told him, 'I am sending you the song and please let me know how do you like it'. We shot the song in a day-and-a-half," said SRK.

"I thought the timing is good. If you don't pay a tribute to Rajini sir in a film called 'Chennai Express', then it is incomplete," he added.

Directed by Rohit Shetty, "Chennai Express" also features Deepika Padukone. It will hit theatres Friday.