Ayesha Takia Azmi gives chicks a clucking chance

Ayesha Takia Azmi

Since her award-winning debut in ‘Taarzan: The Wonder Car’, it was clear that Ayesha Takia Azmi would be one to watch.

She blew audiences and critics away in the thriller Wanted, and now India's sweetheart is starring in a role that is true to life for her: that of an animal advocate.

Just in time for World Vegan Day on 1st November, Takia Azmi flashes her lovely smile in a new PETA India ad, that lets everyone know that "vegans make chicks happy!"

Her co-star is one of the few "chicks" whose sweet face can hold her own next to Takia Azmi: a fluffy baby chick. Celebrated photographer Gaurav Sawn shot the ad, and talented artist Satyam Kadu did her hair and make-up.

Takia Azmi also sat down with PETA India for an exclusive video interview.

On set, Takia Azmi talked about how her respect for animals made her go vegan.

"It's beyond traumatic to hear the things that the animals go through when they are obviously slaughtered, the way they are kept, the way they are treated", she said.

She thinks it is inexcusable that chickens' throats are slashed and they are dunked into scalding-hot feather-removal tanks, often while they are still conscious.

She is proud that she helps end cruelty to animals every time she sits down to eat. "Being vegan is something that has changed my life tremendously", she said.

Takia Azmi joins a long list of actors, athletes and other celebrities – including Lara Dutta, Shahid Kapoor, Esha Gupta, Sonu Sood, Richa Chadda, Pankaj Advani, Anil Kumble, Hema Malini, VVS Laxman, Amrita Rao, R Madhavan, Kartik Murali, Rahul Sharma and Monica Dogra – who have starred in pro-vegetarian ads for PETA India.