We all know the huge influencing power the celebrities in India command over the masses. The good part is that there is an array of celebrities who are using this power to help their followers attain a healthier life and in the process, they are also doing their bit to save our planet too. These celebrities are the ambassadors of Veganuary, a global non-profit organization that encourages people worldwide to try vegan for January and beyond.
A recent all-India survey organized by Veganuary highlighted that celebrities who have turned vegan are strongly influencing the masses, especially youngsters, to try vegan food.
Veganuary India has a long list of celebrities who are not only working as Ambassadors of Veganuary India, but themselves are reaping the benefits of turning to a completely vegan diet. This celebrity vote in favour of vegan food carries more power when the celebrities concerned themselves are completely vegan.
Sneha Ullal- (Actor)
Sneha Ullal is an Indian actress who has appeared in Telugu and Hindi films. She is known for her roles in the Telugu films Ullasamga Utsahamga, Simha and the Hindi film Lucky: No Time for Love with Salman Khan. She puts forward a very precise and simple argument in favour of Veganism. Says he, “I don’t need animals harmed to live my life. Veganism is that simple.”
Arvind Krishna- (Telugu Actor & sports enthusiast)
Arvind Krishna is an Indian actor who works in Tamil and Telugu films. He made his debut in the Telugu film It`s My Love Story (2011). He continued his journey with several Telugu films like Rushi (2012), Biskett (2013) and Adavi Kaachina Vennela (2014). His upcoming film Andhra Pori is set to release in June 2015. When asked about his choice of being a vegan, he said, “Turning Vegan has been the single best decision of my life from the standpoint of my health, athleticism, look, spiritual growth and for just an overall sense of well-being.”
Kuntal Joisher (Mountaineer)
Kuntal Joisher is an Indian mountaineer based in Mumbai. Anyone who has doubts about the strength-giving power of a vegan diet would do well to note his achievements. His vegan diet was instrumental in helping him summit Mount Everest, not once but twice!
Says he, “I have never eaten meat in my entire life and turned Vegan 17 years ago. I was successfully able to build top-of-world-level muscles and endurance and not only survive but thrive in the -50 Celsius degrees temperature on top of Mount Everest, not just once, but twice. Goes to show that no animal needs to suffer or die for our dreams to come true.”
Soundarya Sharma (Actor)
Soundarya Sharma is an Indian actress and model. She made her acting debut with romantic Ranchi Diaries in 2017 for which she won the ‘Best Debutante’ at the Jharkhand International Film Festival and was nominated at Zee Cine Awards. In 2022, she participated in Colors TV’s reality show Bigg Boss 16. Soundarya claims that her vegan diet enables her to face the rigours of life in the showbiz perfectly.
Says she, “I am a Vegan. I feel fabulous and I have the energy to slay it on camera every single time. Veganuary’s 31-day pledge helps you make a smooth transition to a plant–based diet, for your health, for animals and the planet. Join my squad, try vegan today.”
Sadaa Sayed (Actor)
Sadaa Sayed, also known by her stage name Sadha, is an Indian actress who mainly appears in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada films. She was introduced to the Telugu film industry by the director Teja along with Nithiin in the film Jayam (2002). Sadaa is an animal rescuer, a fighter for their rights and an ethical vegan.
Sadaa believes that a Vegan diet is not a compromise at any level, rather it prepares you better to face all the challenges in life. Says she, “I make sure to eat a balanced plant-based diet to get all the nutrients my body needs, but I haven’t given up my favourite foods. I organize them, and it is simpler than you think. If you are still unsure about whether you can still sustain a vegan lifestyle, try Veganuary’s 31-day pledge, which will help you make the transition easily. Believe me, you will never look back.”
Anushka Manchanda aka Kiss Nuka (Singer, Music composer)
Anushka Manchanda aka Kiss Nuka, is a singer, and music composer who came into the limelight as part of an Indipop girl group Viva!. She was also the winner of the popular reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi. She is a well-known name in the music and entertainment industry.
A vegan by choice, her adopted name Kiss Nuka – which stands for Nature’s Universal Kinetic Attention, with a new vision for a better world, showcases her thinking. Says she, “Just like the COVID pandemic, the ethical, health and planetary implications of farming animals is an enormous challenge that humanity is facing. Following a vegan lifestyle is a really effective way of addressing these challenges”
