In a landmark moment for Indian cinema, Deepika Padukone has been selected for a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first Indian actress to receive the honor. The announcement was made by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce on July 3 as part of the “Class of 2026,” recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
Padukone, a global ambassador of Indian cinema, will be recognized in the Motion Pictures category, alongside international actors such as Emily Blunt, Chadwick Boseman (posthumously), Gal Gadot, and Chris Pine. The recognition places her among an elite group of entertainers from around the world who have left an enduring mark on film and global culture.
Taking to Instagram shortly after the announcement, Padukone posted a single word: “Gratitude…” — a brief yet powerful acknowledgment of a milestone that not only marks personal success, but also serves as a point of pride for India’s creative community.
A Cross-Cultural Career
Padukone’s international breakthrough came with the 2017 action film xXx: Return of Xander Cage, where she starred opposite Vin Diesel. Since then, she has continued to appear at global cultural events such as the Met Gala and the Cannes Film Festival, often being recognized not just for her acting prowess, but also as a fashion and mental health advocate.
In 2022, Time magazine named her to the Time100 Impact Award list for her work in de-stigmatizing mental health conversations in India, citing her foundation, Live Love Laugh, as a significant step toward opening up public discourse.
An Enduring Symbol of Global Representation
The Hollywood Walk of Fame includes more than 2,700 stars embedded along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles. Each year, only around 30 new inductees are selected from hundreds of global nominations. With this recognition, Padukone becomes only the second Indian — after actor Sabu Dastagir in 1960 — to be given this honor, underscoring the slow but evolving inclusion of South Asian voices in mainstream global cinema.
The process of receiving a star involves more than just merit; it requires a formal acceptance, a commitment to attend the ceremony, and a sponsorship fee of approximately $85,000. These funds are used for the creation and maintenance of the star and surrounding infrastructure. Padukone’s induction ceremony is expected to be scheduled in the next 12 to 24 months.
Looking Ahead
The 38-year-old actress is currently filming Atlee’s upcoming action-drama alongside Allu Arjun and has been linked to King, an ambitious Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan project that is expected to make waves both in India and abroad.
Padukone’s Walk of Fame star may be cemented in Hollywood’s pavement, but the true impact of this milestone lies in its symbolism — a celebration of cross-cultural achievement and a gateway for the next generation of Indian storytellers in global cinema.