Priyanka Chopra has been voted The Sexiest Asian Woman of 2006, in a poll conducted by Eastern Eye, a weekly newspaper printed in the UK.

Other prominent Indian faces who have found their place in the top ten are Bipasha Basu, Aishwarya Rai, Mallika Sherawat, Riya Sen and Malaika Arora Khan.

When informed, Priyanka was apparently looking applauded. Sure beating Aishwarya Rai is always an overwhelming experience.

"It is really flattering that people think that way of me but it is a bit confusing as well because I don't see myself that way. But I am very grateful and very glad."

Surprisingly Ashwariya Rai, regarded as the most beautiful woman in the world is rated as third when it comes to oozing sex appeal, while the pouty Mallika Sherawat is placed at number four.

"Her combination of classical beauty and brains has massive sex appeal for Asian men," said Hamant Verma, editor of Eastern Eye, of Chopra. "She is likely to continue the momentum gained from Krrish with roles in her forthcoming films Don, God Tussi Great Ho, Salaam-e-Ishq and Utthaan" he added.

Actress Laila Rouass is the highest ranked British Asian at number five, just beating the Afghanistan-born Hammasa Kohistani who was crowned Miss England in 2005.

Tennis star, Sania Mirza is the top most non-model, non-actress woman to break into the list at number 25.

Eastern Eye carries out the contest each year and women from the Indian subcontinent as well as the Asian diaspora around the world are considered.