In a historic first, Indian actress Deepika Padukone has been selected to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, solidifying her place among global icons. Announced as part of the prestigious Class of 2026, Padukone joins an illustrious cohort of 35 honorees spanning film, television, music, Broadway, and comedy—as a pioneer for Indian actresses on this celebrated Los Angeles sidewalk.

Recognizing Global Achievement

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce unveiled the news live this week, placing Padukone in the Motion Pictures category alongside celebrated talents such as Demi Moore, Emily Blunt, Rachel McAdams, Timothée Chalamet, Rami Malek, and Stanley Tucci. The honorees were selected from hundreds of nominations and revealed by Walk of Fame members Eugenio Derbez and Richard Blade.

This year’s class also includes prominent figures from diverse creative realms—NBA legend turned TV analyst Shaquille O’Neal; “Good Morning America” anchors Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos; and posthumous tributes to special effects maestro Carlo Rambaldi and director Tony Scott .

A Career That Transcends Borders

Since her meteoric Bollywood debut in Om Shanti Om (2007), Deepika Padukone has become one of India’s most bankable and respected actors, with her films amassing over ₹10,000 crore worldwide.

In addition to her cinematic achievements, Padukone has been a force on major international platforms—hosting the Oscars in 2023, walking the BAFTA red carpet in 2018, serving on the Cannes jury in 2022, and gracing Time magazine’s cover when named one of its 100 Most Influential People .

Beyond Acting: Advocacy and Influence

Padukone’s influence extends well beyond the screen. Founder of the Live Love Laugh Foundation, she has championed mental health awareness in India—earning the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award in 2018. In 2024, she was recognized in Deadline’s Global Disruptors list, described as “India’s surprise superstar on a mission to break barriers and taboos”.

What’s Next

As Padukone prepares for her Walk of Fame ceremony in 2026, her career shows no signs of slowing. She continues to light up Bollywood, with high-profile projects like King and AA22xA6 underway.

Deepika Padukone’s Walk of Fame star is more than a personal milestone—it marks a monumental step for Indian cinema and cultural representation in Hollywood. Her journey from Bangalore to the sidewalks of Los Angeles offers an inspiring testament to artistic ambition and global impact.