Bollywood stars Jacqueline Fernandez and Riteish Deshmukh have been honored as India’s ‘Most Beautiful Vegetarian Celebrities’ of 2024 by PETA India. The award recognizes their commitment to animal welfare and their advocacy for a compassionate, plant-based lifestyle.
A Legacy of Compassion
The title, which was formerly known as the Hottest Vegetarian Celebrity Award until 2020, has previously been awarded to numerous Bollywood personalities. Past recipients include Zeenat Aman, Jackie Shroff, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Rajkummar Rao, Alia Bhatt, Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar, Shraddha Kapoor, Sonu Sood, and many more.
Advocacy for Animals
Riteish Deshmukh, who is a committed vegan, and Jacqueline Fernandez, known for her animal rights activism, are the latest stars to receive this recognition. PETA India made the announcement on Monday, acknowledging their contributions to animal rights.
Jacqueline Fernandez has long been a vocal supporter of PETA India’s initiatives. She actively participated in the #FreeGajraj campaign, which successfully rescued an elephant that had been kept in chains for over 50 years. She has also encouraged people to adopt dogs from shelters, adopt a vegan diet, and avoid products made from animal exploitation, such as angora wool or horse-drawn carriages.
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Riteish Deshmukh, on the other hand, promotes veganism through his lifestyle and entrepreneurial efforts. Along with his wife, Genelia, he co-founded a vegan meat company, furthering his commitment to promoting plant-based eating.
PETA India’s Statement
“From acting to animal rights activism, Jacqueline Fernandez and Riteish Deshmukh have proven to be real superstars,” said Sachin Bangera, PETA India Vice President of Celebrity and Public Relations. He added, “PETA India is delighted to honour them for showing the world that kindness to animals is the most beautiful quality of all.”
Upcoming Projects
On the professional front, Jacqueline Fernandez is set to appear in Welcome to the Jungle, the third instalment of the popular Welcome franchise. Directed by Ahmed Khan, the movie is scheduled to release on December 20, 2024. It boasts an ensemble cast, including Akshay Kumar, Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Arshad Warsi, and many more.
With this recognition, Jacqueline and Riteish continue to inspire millions by advocating for kindness and compassion toward animals while excelling in their entertainment careers.