Deepika won the title for the first time in the popular list that is annually published by Britain-based Eastern Eye newspaper.
“It does bring a smile to my face, but sexy means different things to different people. For me, it’s not just physical. Being comfortable with who you are, is sexy.
Confidence is sexy. Innocence and vulnerability is sexy,” the actress, who is set to make her Hollywood debut with “xXx: Return of Xander Cage” opposite Vin Diesel, said in a statement.
Actor Nia Sharma took the third spot, and reclaimed the title as the sexiest television star. TV actress Drashti Dhami came fourth.
The 2016 edition of the popular annual poll was based on millions of votes pouring in from across the globe. Others in the top 10 are Sanaya Irani (sixth), Katrina Kaif (seventh), Sonam Kapoor (eight), Pakistani actress Mahira Khan (ninth) and Gauhar Khan (10th).