Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ In a landmark moment for Indian cinema, Deepika Padukone has been selected to receive a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first Indian actress to achieve this honour. The prestigious recognition was announced as part of the Walk of Fame Class of 2026 under the Motion Pictures category. The announcement places Padukone among an elite group of international stars including Emily Blunt, Rami Malek, Rachel McAdams, Stanley Tucci, and Timothée Chalamet. Her selection highlights her global impact and further cements India’s growing influence on the world stage.
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The names of the new inductees were officially revealed by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce after a rigorous selection process. The final list was chosen from hundreds of nominations by the Walk of Fame selection committee during a meeting held on June 20 and later approved by the Chamber’s board. The announcement was made during a special livestream event, hosted by current Walk of Fame honorees Richard Blade and Eugenio Derbez. In response, Padukone reacted to the honour with a simple but heartfelt message on her Instagram story: “Gratitude…”.
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Over the years, Deepika Padukone has carved out a place for herself not just in Indian cinema but also on the international stage. In 2017, her Hollywood debut film, xXx: Return of Xander Cage, with Vin Diesel, was released. She has since established a global popularity, appearing often at the Cannes Film Festival and the Met Gala. Her influence extends far beyond movies. In 2018, TIME magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world. She was also honoured with the TIME100 Impact Award. Additionally, her international appeal has also led to collaborations with luxury fashion houses Cartier and Louis Vuitton, making her the first Indian ambassador for both brands, a move that paved the way for other Indian celebrities in global fashion.
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In 2022, she made history as the first Indian to reveal the FIFA World Cup trophy at the final match in Qatar, showcasing her universal appeal once more. Additionally, in India, Padukone is still one of Bollywood’s biggest names, having appeared in blockbusters such as Padmaavat, Chennai Express, and Bajirao Mastani. She also continues to lead large projects, most notably in Kalki 2898 AD, a pan-India science-fiction epic co-starring Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan. She is expected to return for the film’s sequel and is also reportedly lined up for director Atlee’s next project alongside Allu Arjun. Additionally, there is buzz about her reuniting with Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan in the upcoming film King, though an official announcement is still awaited.
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In her personal life, Padukone and her husband, actor Ranveer Singh, welcomed their daughter Dua on September 8, 2024. The couple, married since 2018, remains one of India’s most celebrated celebrity pairs. Padukone joins a diverse 2026 class that also includes Sarah Michelle Gellar, Noah Wyle, and Molly Ringwald. From the sports world, NBA legend and TV analyst Shaquille O’Neal is also set to receive a star, further underscoring the Walk of Fame’s tradition of honouring excellence across entertainment.
