Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone will be the first Indian actress to receive the honor of a star on the Class of 2026 Hollywood Walk of Fame, a milestone that charts her international success. But when the news went public, the social media community was divided. Some hailed her as a trend-setting global icon, while others wondered whether Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, or late Irrfan Khan, who all had more extensive Hollywood credits, should have been given this recognition earlier.
As controversy raged surrounding her one and only Hollywood film credit, Freida Pinto intervened graciously. Showing her support, Freida tweeted: “Let’s celebrate our own and not bring them down… This should make us feel proud to see a hardworking, talented Indian woman of substance being celebrated on a global platform.”
Freida’s message did more than defend Deepika, it encouraged solidarity and positivity instead of competition between Indian pioneers.
Replying herself, Deepika shared a straightforward, sincere “Gratitude” on Instagram Storie quite yet efficient, allowing the accolade to speak for itself.
The real seal of the moment’s genuineness, however, was the international validation among other awardees: names such as Emily Blunt, Timothée Chalamet, Miley Cyrus, Rami Malek, and Gordon Ramsay all belonged to the Class of 2026, marking Deepika’s position amidst Hollywood’s crème de la crème.
On a personal front, husband Ranveer Singh welcomed her achievement with pure elation, reposting the news and expressing, “Damn proud of you! ” and dubbing her a queen and highlighting the importance of her achievement. Yes, the Hollywood Walk of Fame star carries a sponsorship price tag (approximately $85,000), but Deepika wasn’t merely purchasing a star, she fulfilled all the criteria: worldwide impact, philanthropic work, and cultural influence. The honorees are personally chosen by the selection committee, ensuring that the star isn’t just an image stunt.
Deepika’s Walk of Fame honour isn’t just a personal triumph, it’s a cultural moment for Indian cinema. While debates and comparisons are inevitable, Freida’s plea reminds us why we celebrate: not to outshine each other, but to stand united under the spotlight of global recognition.
