Recently, the Bollywood Shahanshah Amitabh Bachchan has been announced as ‘Asia’s Sexiest Vegetarian Man’ for 2008 in a survey, which was conducted by animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta).

Amitabh Bachchan is 64, a veteran who has ruled the box office for decades and is still hugely popular.

Among other Asian challengers in the running, besides Big B, Madhavan was the only Indian contender.

Among the Asian female competitors Bollywood beauties including Hema Malini, Kareena Kapoor, Mahima Chaudhry and Vidya Balan were considered. But, it was Hong Kong's singer-actress Faye Wong who was s selected as Asia’s sexiest vegetarian female

Wong, often called the "heavenly queen" or the "diva of Asia", beat last year's winner Maggie Q, star of "Mission: Impossible II", in the vote organised by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Runners-up in the competition comprised Taiwanese drama star Barbie Xu, Hong Kong actress Maggie Q and Cantopop singer and actress Stephy Tang.

Peta Asia-Pacific director Jason Baker said: “Going vegetarian is the best thing you can do for animals, the earth and your health. Plus there’s no easier way to stay slim and sexy — and Faye and Amitabh are living proof.”

Outside the Asian continent, Coldplay singer Chris Martin, pop star Leona Lewis and camp British TV host Russell Brand were voted as sexiest vegetarians.