Deepika Padukone makes history as first Indian actress on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Deepika Padukone is set to create history as she becomes the first Indian actress to be honoured with a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

The honour marks a significant milestone not just in her career but also for Indian cinema on the global stage. This recognition will be made official in 2026 as part of a larger group of international celebrities across various entertainment sectors who will be inducted that year.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce recently unveiled the 2026 honorees, and Deepika Padukone’s name appeared in the Motion Pictures category. She will be joining a distinguished group that includes internationally celebrated actors such as Emily Blunt, Rachel McAdams, Demi Moore, Rami Malek, Timothée Chalamet, and Stanley Tucci. 

These names span a broad spectrum of the global entertainment industry, underscoring the diversity and international reach of the Walk of Fame.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame selection process is rigorous, involving hundreds of nominations each year. The final inductees are handpicked based on their contributions and influence across five categories: motion pictures, television, live theatre/live performance, music recording, and sports entertainment. 

The announcement was made during a live presentation by existing Walk of Fame inductees Eugenio Derbez and Richard Blade, who revealed the full list to much anticipation.

The 2026 list includes a mix of contemporary stars and posthumous recognitions. Apart from Deepika, others being honoured include Sarah Michelle Gellar, Molly Ringwald, and Noah Wyle. From the world of sports, NBA legend and television analyst Shaquille O’Neal will also receive a star. 

Notably, Good Morning America co-hosts Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos will be commemorated together in a joint ceremony. Late filmmaker Tony Scott and legendary Italian special effects artist Carlo Rambaldi are also being recognized posthumously.

Deepika’s journey into Hollywood began with her debut in XXX: Return of Xander Cage, where she starred opposite Vin Diesel in 2017. Her performance was widely appreciated, setting the stage for her international appeal.

In Indian cinema, Deepika continues to deliver impactful performances. She recently appeared as DCP Shakti Shetty in Singham Again, a film directed by Rohit Shetty. Her upcoming project, King, will see her sharing screen space once again with Shah Rukh Khan.

This forthcoming honour cements Deepika Padukone’s status as a global icon and a trailblazer for Indian talent in the international entertainment industry.

Source: Economic Times
--Agencies