People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has named Madhavan as the person of the year for his contribution to spreading of vegetarianism.

Maddy, as he is popularly known, has been chosen for the honour for actively promoting vegetarianism “as the best way to help stop animal suffering, cut down on pollution, fight climate change and improve your health” PETA said in a statement.

Speaking to us, Maddy said: "I am really honoured, and was quite surprised when I heard this. I am glad that there are lot of people out there who support me in my attempt to stop abuse against animals. There are actors like Trisha who are animal lovers and I really appreciate it"

Maddy had recently sent a letter to the CEO of a leading food chain, urging the head honcho to adopt PETA's recommendations to stop animal abuse.

The actor had also lent his voice to a PETA video, which was based on Paul McCartney's statement that if slaughterhouses were made up of glass walls, no one would eat non-vegetarian food.