Dhanush might have become popular all over the country with 'kolaveri...' But the National Award winning actor is preaching peace and vegetarianism.

Dhanush, along with Vidya Balan and Sonu Sood, has taken early lead in the vegetarian celebrity contest, conducted by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, popularly known as PETA.

In a statement, PETA India Chief Functionary Poorva Joshipura said, "From Bollywood to Hollywood, the world's kindest and most gorgeous celebrities are adopting a healthy, humane vegetarian diet."

Besides Dhanush, Vidya and Sonu, other film stars in the foray are Amitabh Bachchan, Mallika Sherawat, Kareena Kapoor, Hema Malini and Ayesha Takia. They are competing for the title "India's Hottest Vegetarian Celebrity of 2011".

Vegetarians are not only less prone to obesity, but also save the lives of more than 100 animals a year, the statement said, adding that celebrity winners of the contest would be chosen on the number of votes each receives. They would be announced in January.

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