The nominees have not been posted long on PETAIndia.com, but actor R Madhavan has already taken the early lead in PETA India's annual Hottest Vegetarian Celebrity poll.

Madhavan, a longtime PETA supporter, says, "For me, being a vegetarian is about being compassionate. I love animals, so I would never eat them. Having a healthy heart is a great bonus, but I'd rather people think of me as having a good soul and a kind heart."

R Madhavan has taken up the cause of chickens and has written to KFC CEO David Novak on behalf of PETA urging him to stop killing the birds.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is asking people to boycott KFC restaurants in India until animal welfare improvements are adopted.

"I am sure you're a compassionate person who agrees that animals, whether they are dogs, cats or chickens, should not be abused and that working to stop this unnecessary cruelty should be a top priority, " Madhavan wrote.

"Please use your unique position to stop the worst abuses of these sensitive birds by making the improvements suggested by PETA and KFC's own former animal welfare advisors, " he added.