On January 5, Deepika Padukone will turn one year older, another significant milestone in a career that keeps reaching new heights. After years of box office success and international acclaim, Deepika is now regarded as one of India’s most significant and well-liked celebrities.
Here’s a look at Deepika Padukone’s amazing journey, from her Hindi film debut to becoming a global icon, along with her career highlights, accomplishments, and future plans, as she approaches her 40th birthday.
The Journey of Deepika Padukone
Deepika’s ascent to stardom started long before the big screen, first in junior badminton and later in modeling.
Her initial publicity came from a toothpaste commercial in 2004. Her runway debut at Lakme Fashion Week in 2005 caused a stir in the fashion business shortly after.
She became well-known about the same time when she appeared in the popular music video for Himesh Reshammiya’s song Naam Hai Tera.
Her acting career started in 2006 with the Kannada movie Aishwarya, but she became an overnight celebrity in 2007 when she made her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om.
She has continued to change over the years, as seen by her strong performances in a variety of roles and her daring item numbers Lovely and Dum Maaro Dum.
Deepika has been a powerful advocate for mental health outside of movies. She started the Live Love Laugh Foundation in 2015 to combat the stigma associated with mental health issues.
In 2017, she made her Hollywood debut alongside Vin Diesel in xXx: Return of Xander Cage, which broadened her global travels. She started her own production company, Ka Productions, back home and supported important movies like 83 and Chhapaak. She joined the wellness market with her self-care brand, 82°E, and made her OTT debut with Gehraiyaan in recent years.
The first Indian actress to be recognized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
The first Indian actress to be awarded a star on the renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame was Deepika Padukone. This honor puts her in the esteemed Class of 2026 among international celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Emily Blunt, which is a momentous occasion for India.
Global Influence & TIME Magazine
TIME Magazine has acknowledged Deepika’s worldwide influence after she created history by appearing on the magazine’s cover twice. You know what? In addition to being one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, she is the only Indian actress to do this. International celebrities like Greta Gerwig, Gal Gadot, and Nicole Kidman are also on the list.
Her efforts to film and mental health awareness earned her the TIME Impact Award in 2022.
Advocate for Mental Health on International Platforms
Deepika has been a strong supporter of mental health, and during the 50th World Economic Forum in Davos, her contributions were recognized with the Crystal Award. She has contributed to the global mainstreaming of mental health discussions through her advocacy.
Attending Cultural Milestones on behalf of India
Deepika has frequently represented India at some of the major cultural gatherings around the globe. She even performed the Oscar-winning song Naatu Naatu at the 95th Academy Awards, making history as the first Indian to deliver the FIFA World Cup Trophy in 2022.
That’s not everything. Later, the actress gave a presentation at the BAFTA Awards in 2024. Additionally, she was the first Indian actor to be invited to the 2023 Academy Museum Gala, which honored the craft of filmmaking.
Fashion, Cannes And Brand Power
As the first Indian jury member at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022, Deepika attracted attention with her famous saree look.
As the first Indian worldwide ambassador for prestigious luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Pottery Barn, and Hilton, she has also broken down barriers.
In 2019, Deepika made her debut at the MET Gala and appeared as a wax figure at Madame Tussauds as part of her international tour.
Deepika Padukone’s Upcoming Films
King
Deepika and Shah Rukh Khan reunite in the most anticipated movie of 2026. Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Abhay Verma, and Suhana Khan make up the ensemble cast of Siddharth Anand’s film King.
Pathaan 2
Deepika is anticipated to return to her role as a Pakistani intelligence agent following her powerful performance in Pathaan (2023). She made her debut in the YRF spy universe, which includes movies like War, Ek Tha Tiger, and others, with the first film, which was a huge box office hit.
The Intern
Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika will work together on the Indian version of the 2015 Hollywood film of the same name. Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway starred in the original.
AA22xA6
Alongside Allu Arjun, Deepika is a part of Atlee’s action entertainer, provisionally named AA22xA6. Atlee and Allu Arjun collaborate on the movie for the first time, but Deepika previously collaborated with the filmmaker on Jawan. Allu Arjun will play two roles in the production, which was first rumored to be a two-hero tale.
