Deepika Padukone Birthday: From Hindi Cinema Debut To Global Icon

Deepika Padukone is set to turn a year older on January 5, marking yet another milestone in a career that continues to scale new heights. After years filled with box-office triumphs and international recognition, Deepika stands tall as one of India’s most influential and globally admired stars.

As Deepika Padukone turns 40, here’s a look at her incredible journey—from her Hindi cinema debut to becoming a global icon, along with her career highlights, achievements and what lies ahead.

Deepika Padukone’s Journey

Deepika’s rise to fame began long before the big screen, first through junior-level badminton and then modelling.

In 2004, she first caught attention through a toothpaste advertisement. Soon after, she made waves in the fashion industry with her runway debut at Lakme

Fashion Week in 2005.

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Around the same time, her appearance in Himesh Reshammiya’s hit music video Naam Hai Tera made her a familiar face.

Her acting journey began in 2006 with the Kannada film Aishwarya but it was her Bollywood debut in 2007 with Om Shanti Om opposite Shah Rukh Khan that turned her into an overnight sensation.

Over the years, she continued to evolve, be it her bold item numbers Lovely and Dum Maaro Dum for her powerful performances in diverse roles.

Beyond films, Deepika has been a strong voice for mental health. In 2015, she founded the Live Love Laugh Foundation, helping break stigma around mental health conditions.

Her global journey expanded in 2017 when she made her Hollywood debut in xXx: Return of Xander Cage with Vin Diesel. Back home, she launched her production house, Ka Productions and backed meaningful films like Chhapaak and 83. In recent years, she made her OTT debut with Gehraiyaan and entered the wellness space with her self-care brand, 82°E.

Deepika Padukone’s Career Highlights And Achievements

First Indian Actress Honoured On Hollywood Walk of Fame

Deepika Padukone became the first Indian actress to receive a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. This honour places her alongside global names like Timothée Chalamet and Emily Blunt in the prestigious Class of 2026, marking a proud moment for India.

TIME Magazine & Global Influence

Deepika’s global impact has been widely recognised by TIME Magazine as she made history by featuring on its cover not just once but twice. Guess what? She is the only Indian actress to achieve this feat and was also named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. The list also includes international icons like Nicole Kidman, Gal Gadot and Greta Gerwig.

In 2022, she received the TIME Impact Award for her contributions to cinema and mental health awareness.

Mental Health Advocate On Global Platforms

Deepika has been a powerful advocate for mental health and her efforts were honoured with the Crystal Award at the 50th World Economic Forum in Davos. Through her advocacy, she has helped bring mental health conversations into the global mainstream.

Representing India at Cultural Milestones

Deepika has repeatedly represented India at some of the world’s biggest cultural events. She made history as the first Indian to unveil the FIFA World Cup Trophy in 2022 and even presented the Oscar-winning song Naatu Naatu at the 95th Academy Awards.

That’s not all. The actress later presented at the 2024 BAFTA Awards. She was also the first Indian actor invited to the Academy Museum Gala in 2023, celebrating the art of filmmaking.

Fashion, Cannes And Brand Power

In 2022, Deepika became the first Indian jury member at the Cannes Film Festival, turning heads with her iconic saree appearance.

She has also broken barriers as the first Indian global ambassador for major luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Pottery Barn and Hilton.

Deepika’s global journey also includes her debut at the MET Gala in 2019 and her wax statue at Madame Tussauds the same year.

Deepika Padukone’s Upcoming Films

King

In the most awaited film of 2026, Deepika reunites with Shah Rukh Khan. Directed by Siddharth Anand, King boasts an ensemble cast of Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Abhay Verma and Suhana Khan.

Pathaan 2

After her impactful appearance in Pathaan (2023), Deepika is expected to reprise her role of a Pakistani spy agent. The original was a major box office success and marked her entry into the YRF spy universe which includes films like War, Ek Tha Tiger and others.

The Intern

Deepika will collaborate with Amitabh Bachchan in the Indian adaptation of the 2015 Hollywood movie of the same name. The original starred Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro.

AA22xA6

Deepika is also a part of Atlee’s action entertainer with Allu Arjun which is tentatively titled AA22xA6. The film brings together Atlee and Allu Arjun for the first time whereas Deepika has already worked with the director in Jawan. Initially rumoured to be a two-hero story, the project will see Allu Arjun in dual roles.