By Lekshmy Pavithran
In a historic first for Indian cinema, Deepika Padukone has been named one of the 2026 honourees for the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame. She becomes the first Indian actor to receive the honour, marking a major milestone for Indian talent in the global entertainment industry.The announcement was made during a live press conference at Ovation Hollywood on Wednesday, where the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce revealed its list of inductees across categories such as motion pictures, television, recordings, live performance, and sports entertainment, Billboard reported. .Why Deepika Padukone’s exit from Prabhas-led film Spirit is a power move, not a problem. A star-studded class of 2026Deepika will be honoured alongside global celebrities including Miley Cyrus, Timoth茅e Chalamet, Emily Blunt, Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, Franco Nero, and Gordon Ramsay.Other notable names in the 2026 class include actors Rami Malek, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Molly Ringwald, and Noah Wyle, NBA legend Shaquille O鈥橬eal, and TV anchors Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos, who will be honoured together.Italian special effects artist Carlo Rambaldi and director Tony Scott will be posthumously recognised. .鈥楤rad Pitt. That鈥檚 It.鈥: Deepika Padukone reacts to ‘F1’ racing drama. Deepika’s Hollywood journey and global impactDeepika made her Hollywood debut in 2017 with xXx: Return of Xander Cage opposite Vin Diesel. She quickly gained international acclaim, appearing in TIME鈥檚 list of the 100 Most Influential People and in Variety鈥檚 International Women鈥檚 Impact Report. Her appearances at Cannes and the Met Gala further solidified her reputation as a global cultural figure..Kelly Clarkson, Zac Efron to get stars on Hollywood Walk of Fame. How honourees are chosen for the Walk of FameThe 2026 inductees were selected from hundreds of nominations by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce鈥檚 Walk of Fame selection panel during a meeting held on June 20. The final list was approved by the Chamber鈥檚 board of directors on June 25.鈥淲e are excited to announce the newest selections of 35 esteemed individuals who will be enshrined on the Walk of Fame as part of the prestigious Class of 2026,鈥 said Peter Roth, former Warner Bros. Television CEO and chairman of the selection committee. 鈥淭hese talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honour them with this well-deserved recognition.鈥 A global ambassador for Indian culture and fashionBeyond her film career, Deepika has become a global ambassador for Indian culture. In 2022, she became the first Indian to unveil the FIFA World Cup trophy during the final in Qatar鈥攁n honour few entertainers have achieved.In fashion, she broke barriers as the first Indian face of global luxury brands Cartier and Louis Vuitton, setting a new standard for South Asian representation in high-end fashion. Balancing global fame with Indian cinemaDespite her global success, Deepika remains one of the most successful and highest-paid female actors in Indian cinema. She was last seen in Kalki 2898 AD, Nag Ashwin鈥檚 pan-India blockbuster starring Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan. She is also confirmed for the film鈥檚 sequel and has signed on for Atlee鈥檚 next project, tentatively titled AA22xA6, opposite Allu Arjun.A milestone moment for India on the global stageDeepika鈥檚 Hollywood Walk of Fame honour is not just a personal achievement鈥攊t marks a significant step forward for Indian representation in global entertainment. It highlights her trailblasing career and reaffirms India鈥檚 growing influence on the world stage. Deepika and her husband, actor Ranveer Singh, welcomed their daughter, Dua Padukone Singh, on September 8, 2024. The couple, who married in 2018, introduced their daughter to the world during Diwali with a heartfelt message: 鈥淒ua: meaning a prayer. Because she is the answer to our prayers. Our hearts are filled with love and gratitude.鈥 .A toxic trend: A look at Vijay Mallya claiming credit for Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif.Why Deepika Padukone’s exit from Prabhas-led film Spirit is a power move, not a problem.Look: Deepika Padukone sparkles in Dubai as she walks the red carpet.Bollywood鈥檚 dirty PR tactics? What really happens when stars Like Deepika Padukone walk out of big films