Deepika Padukone becomes the first Indian actress to receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Deepika Padukone is unstoppable on this road to global domination. In a first, Deepika Padukone has become the first Indian actress to be featured on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Class of 2026. The Bollywood star has created a niche for herself in the world of cinema and fashion in India and the world. This step further cements her position in her ever-growing repertoire on the world stage, in the most literal sense. Other celebrities set to receive their 'stars' are Rami Malek, Miley Cyrus, Timothee Chalamet, Demi Moore and Stanley Tucci, to name a few. 

Even though she made her Hollywood debut in XXX: Return of Xander Cage, starring alongside Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, her influence on the international front is indellible. You don't become the Times100 most influential every day, right?

In 2023, Deepika Padukone made her Oscars debut when she was named a presenter at the coveted awards show, a privilege shared by the likes of Priyanka Chopra and veteran star Persis Khambatta, making her the third Indian celebrity to present at the magnus opus ceremony. She came to announce the performance of RRR's Naatu Naatu, which went on to win the Oscars for "Best Original Song," a first for India. For the event, she was seen channelling old-world Hollywood glam in a strapless black velvet gown from Louis Vuitton, paired with a diamond necklace from Cartier and styled with a French knot hairstyle and a classic winged liner for makeup. 

2023 was specifically a busy one for the Bollywood star. She returned to the Academy the same year—this time for a visit to the Academy Museum Gala. She was the first Indian to be invited to the exhibit, creating a historic confluence fusing India's growing influence with Hollywood's legacy. She wore a blue velvet gown this time around, with a single-shoulder strap and with a new-age glam to match her growing international appeal. 

In the year that followed, Deepika Padukone was made the presenter at the BAFTA Awards for the "Best Foreign Language Film" category. For yet another international red carpet debut, she delivered big on the fashion statement. She rested her faith on a sequinned pastel Sabyasachi saree paired with a matching blouse for the event and slayed, all while keeping her pregnancy at the time under wraps. 

The fashion world is no stranger to her influence. In 2021, she was made the brand ambassador of Chopard. The following year, she continued to remain a force in the world of bijouterie when she became the brand ambassador of the legacy jewellery house, Cartier. As the West continues turning East for inspiration, the role of Indian players grows exponentially in making a mark in the luxury market. Deepika Padukone is a flagbearer in the field.

Louis Vuitton made Deepika Padukone their first-ever Indian global brand ambassador in 2023, where she has gone on to represent at significant international shows. From fashion weeks to the FIFA World Cup finale, she has gone on to make statement-worthy appearances. 

Other international brands that Deepika Padukone is associated with are Adidas, Qatar Airways, Dyson and Hilton. 

With Deepika Padukone's growing international popularity, it is clear that her influence as a style and silver screen icon is for everyone to witness.