Celebrities and politicians made a beeline for polling stations in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, as both the states go to the polls on Monday.
Superstar Rajinikanth was among early voters in hot Chennai on Monday morning as polling began in three states. He was followed a short while later by his neighbour and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who is seeking a second straight term in the state.
Here’s a look at the bigwigs who turned up to exercise their voting rights.
Superstar Rajnikanth turned up early Monday morning to cast his vote at Chennai's Stella Maris College. After performing his duty, he said, "Everyone should vote, that is a duty."
Actor Kamal Haasan flashes his inked finger. Speaking to reporters in Tamil Nadu, he said, "We have done our duty, hope the others have also done."
Any guesses who Jayalalithaa voted for? Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa casting her votes during the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, in Chennai on Monday. Photograph: R Senthil Kumar/PTI
Dravida Munnetra Kazagham chief Karunanidhi's son MK Stalin at the polling booth at SIET College,Chennai.
DMK chief Karunanidhi at the polling centre. "We will win enough number of seats, our winning prospects are bright," he said after voting. Photograph: R Senthil Kumar/PTI
Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam-People's Welfare Front chief ministerial candidate Vijayakanth casts his vote in Kaveri High School,Saligramam.
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in Kottayam. He told reporters, "BJP will not open account in the assembly election."
Former Defence Minister AK Antony flashes his inked finger in Kerala.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor waits till the official searches for his name in the electoral rolls in Thiruvananthapuram.
Kerala Governor justice P. Sathasivam accompanied by his wife shows his finger after casting his vote in Kerala state assembly polls in Thiruvananthapuram. Photograph: PTI
Rajya Sabha MP Suresh Gopi casts his vote at a polling booth in Thiruvananthapuram.
Photographs: ANI/Twitter
