Deepika Padukone is set to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2026, making her the first Indian actress to be granted this honor. The announcement was made during a live-streamed event by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, marking a momentous occasion for the recognition of Indian talent on a global scale.
Padukone's selection places her in the Motion Pictures category alongside other celebrated figures, including Emily Blunt, Timothée Chalamet, Rami Malek, Rachel McAdams, Stanley Tucci, and Demi Moore. The news has been met with widespread celebration, with fans and media outlets alike recognizing the significance of this achievement for Indian cinema.
Reacting to the news, Deepika Padukone took to her Instagram Stories to express her gratitude. In a brief statement following the announcement, Padukone said, "This recognition is not just about my work but about what it means for all of us". She further added, "I hope this paves the way for more South Asian representation around the world".
The Hollywood Walk of Fame's selection panel, comprising members of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, chose the honorees from hundreds of nominations during a meeting on June 20. The Chamber's board of directors ratified the selections on June 25. Peter Roth, former Warner Bros. Television CEO and chairman of the Walk of Fame selection committee, expressed his excitement about the new selections, stating, "These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honor them with this well-deserved recognition".
Deepika Padukone's journey to international recognition has been marked by several milestones. In 2018, she was named one of TIME's 100 most influential people. She later received the TIME100 Impact Award and became the first Indian to present the FIFA World Cup trophy at the finals in Qatar. Moreover, she has been the first Indian ambassador for luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Cartier. She was also a jury member at Cannes Film Festival.
Padukone's Hollywood debut came in 2017 with xXx: Return of Xander Cage. Her career boasts critically acclaimed performances and box-office successes, highlighting the increasing global reach of Indian cinema and its stars.
Deepika is currently enjoying her maternity time off from work, after welcoming her daughter Dua Padukone Singh in September 2024 with her husband, Ranveer Singh. On the work front, Deepika was last seen in Kalki 2898 AD and Singham Again. Her upcoming projects include Atlee's film alongside Allu Arjun, tentatively titled AA22. She is also rumored to feature in Shah Rukh Khan's King.