In a historic moment for Indian cinema, acclaimed actress Deepika Padukone has been honoured with a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, making her the first Indian ever to receive this distinction in the Motion Pictures category for the class of 2026.
The announcement, made via a global live stream by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, cements Deepika’s status as a global cultural icon and a powerful ambassador for India on the world stage. She joins a prestigious list of honourees this year, including Emily Blunt, Timothée Chalamet, Rami Malek, Rachel McAdams, Stanley Tucci, and Demi Moore, among other celebrated artists.
With a career spanning nearly two decades, Deepika Padukone has successfully bridged the gap between Bollywood and Hollywood. From starring in blockbuster Indian films to appearing in international productions, she has emerged as one of the most influential South Asian figures in global entertainment.
This latest recognition comes as a crowning achievement in a long list of accolades. In 2018, Deepika was named in TIME’s list of the 100 most influential people and later received the TIME100 Impact Award, further solidifying her global influence.
Deepika’s induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame underscores not only her personal success but also India’s growing footprint in global arts and culture. She made headlines in 2022 when she became the first Indian to unveil the FIFA World Cup trophy during the final match in Qatar, and later broke new ground by becoming the first Indian brand ambassador for global luxury fashion houses Louis Vuitton and Cartier.
Despite her international acclaim, Deepika remains a formidable presence in Indian cinema. Her upcoming projects include Atlee’s next directorial venture alongside South superstar Allu Arjun. She is also expected to appear in King, an anticipated film starring Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan, though an official announcement is awaited.
