Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan topped Eastern Eye newspaper’s renowned list of the 50 Sexiest Asian Men In The World for the second year in a row.

The star of record-breaking 2012 hit Agneepath beat off tough competition from around the world and won by an even bigger margin than last year as he received votes from all over the world from continents that included Asia, Europe, Africa and South America from fans of all ages and different cultures.

Even though he was the hot favourite and led right from the beginning, the win came as a major surprise to Indian cinema’s hottest pin up.  “I am extremely humbled at the decision of the public, also a little embarrassed as I just can’t imagine myself as sexy! I’m actually someone who’s just trying to get by with his battered, bruised and broken tools. So a big thank you to all for this dose of encouragement! Thank you Eastern Eye readers for this very sweet recognition,” said Hrithik Roshan.

Hrithik who is working on hotly anticipated superhero film Krrish 3 has become one of the most sought after names in cinema, television and by big brand endorsements. He beat Pakistani pop star turned actor Ali Zafar who was the surprise runner up. Salman Khan finished third and last year’s runner Shahid Kapoor came fourth. Eastern Eye showbiz editor Asjad Nazir, who puts together the very popular list and is chairman of the judging panel, said despite having the best physique, those voting for Hrithik were impressed by a lot of his other qualities.

“Although guys and girls from different age groups, cultures and countries pushed Hrithik to the top of the list they all pin-pointed different qualities that make him the sexiest man on the planet. Whilst some were impressed by his physique and good looks, others liked that he is humble, a devoted family man, father and hardworking individual. 

This not only makes Hrithik the perfect role model, but the dream man of women around the world and someone men are aspiring to be like. The mass global appeal means it will only be a matter of time before he becomes an even bigger international star,” said Asjad Nazir. A record-breaking year in terms of voting resulted in the list trending across Twitter for a week in India, as well as introducing the highest ever number of newcomers.

Bollywood newcomer Sidharth Malhotra was the highest new entry at fifth place and narrowly beat off popular TV star Kushal Tandon who was sixth, television stars that include Barun Sobti (10), Karan Tacker (11), Gurmeet Choudhary (22), Karan Singh Grover (24), Vivian D’Sena (27) and Ashish Kapoor (28).

Other big names included Shah Rukh Khan (7), Ranbir Kapoor (9), Jay Sean (14), Emraan Hashmi (16), actor Imran Khan (17) and boxer Amir Khan (29). The highest placed Pakistani was once again Ali Zafar (2), the highest placed British star was One Direction band member Zayn Malik (12) and the highest placed sportsman was once again Indian cricket star Virat Kohli (23). Other notable names in the list included John Abraham (8), Varun Dhawan (13), Akshay Kumar (15), Arjun Rampal (21).