Animals Are Involuntary 'Performers' says Hip-Hop artist, Hard Kaur in advance of World Circus Day.

Wearing black fishnet nylons and a sexy ringmaster outfit next to the caption "I Choose to Perform. Animals Don't. Boycott Animal Circuses", sultry singer and actor Hard Kaur appears in a brand-new ad for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India in advance of World Circus Day (21st April).

Kaur – who is the first Indian female rapper – and PETA want people to know that circuses force animals to perform unnatural and often painful tricks through fear of punishment.

The ad was shot by ace photographer Vishesh Verma, and Kaur's outfit was styled by Hazel Paul with hair and make-up by Berzin Irani.

"Animals are not born to ride bicycles or do other stupid things for human entertainment; it distresses them", said Kaur in an exclusive PETA interview. "Animals are meant to be loved and respected just like we are." She adds, "I think circus animal trainers would sing a different tune if they were the ones being whipped, caged and chained every day."

Kaur – whose first name is actually Taran –and is known for her hits like Ek Glassy and Char Baj Gaye has performed numerous songs in films, including Johnny Gaddar, Ugly Aur Pagli, Singh Is Kinng, Kismat Konnection and F.A.L.T.U. In 2008, she won the Best Female Act award at the UK Asian Music Awards and recently collaborated with US rapper Eminem's group, D12, for her album.

Kaur also appeared in the 2011 film, Patiala House, directed by Nikhil Advani.

Animals in circuses are subjected to chronic confinement, physical abuse and psychological torment. Whips and other tools – including ankuses, which are heavy, sharp steel-tipped rods – are often used to inflict pain on animals and beat them into submission. Animals perform confusing, unnatural tricks – such as riding bicycles, standing on their heads or jumping through rings of fire – not because they want to, but out of fear of violent punishment.

Even when they aren't performing, animals in circuses suffer a lifetime of misery.

Their access to water, food and veterinary care may be severely restricted. Dogs are crammed into dirty cages and rarely let out, and birds have their wings clipped so that they cannot fly and are confined to small cages. Horses are kept tethered on short ropes, and elephants are kept tied by three legs.

The government has already banned the use of bears, monkeys, tigers, panthers and lions in performances. PETA India now calls on the government to follow the lead of Bolivia and Greece by banning the use of all animals in circuses.