By Umaima Saeed
Actress Deepika Padukone is set to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. For those unaware, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a famous street in Los Angeles where stars are placed on the sidewalk to celebrate people who鈥檝e achieved great heights in the world of entertainment. The tradition started back in 1960, and now, after so many years, an Indian actress will be finally joining this prestigious list.
Deepika Padukone to make history on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Here’s a complete rundown on nominations, selection, & cost
Deepika Padukone is set to become the first Indian actress to be named a recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for the 2026 class. Her name was announced during a live press conference held at Ovation Hollywood, alongside several other global names from other fields in the world of entertainment. The final list of honourees was chosen by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce鈥檚 Walk of Fame selection panel, which reviewed hundreds of nominations in their June 20 meeting.
Among the other celebrities selected for the Hollywood Walk of Fame 2026 are singer and actress Miley Cyrus, actor Timoth茅e Chalamet, British actress Emily Blunt, French actress Marion Cotillard, Canadian actress Rachel McAdams, Italian actor Franco Nero, and renowned chef and TV personality Gordon Ramsay.
Peter Roth, former CEO of Warner Bros. Television and chairman of the Walk of Fame selection committee said in a press release, 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. These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honour them with this well-deserved recognition.鈥
So what is the nomination process?
To get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a person must fit in one of five categories 鈥 films, TV, radio, music, or live stage performances. They need to have worked in their field for at least five years and be well-known, not just in their own country but around the world. They also need to show they鈥檝e been involved in charity or social work. The person or their team must agree to attend the star鈥檚 unveiling ceremony. If the star is being given after their death, at least two years must have passed since they passed away. Anyone can nominate a celebrity for a star – even a fan. But there鈥檚 one condition: the nomination must include a signed letter from the celebrity or their team agreeing to it. The final list of honourees is chosen by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce鈥檚 Walk of Fame selection panel.
Is money involved in the nomination process?
Anyone can nominate a celebrity for a star, but the nomination must include the celebrity鈥檚 written consent. There’s also a $275 (approximately Rs 23,500) application fee to submit the form. Every June, the Walk of Fame Committee reviews around 200 nominations. Out of these, only 20 to 30 are selected based on the person鈥檚 work and impact.
If chosen, a sponsor has to pay for the star, which costs between $75,000 and $85,000 (around Rs 64 lakh to Rs 73 lakh). This money is used by the Hollywood Historic Trust to take care of the Walk, including repairs and upkeep.
Deepika Padukone made her Hollywood debut in 2017 with the film xXx: Return of Xander Cage, where she starred alongside Vin Diesel. Over the years, she has also represented India on major international red carpets at events like the Cannes Film Festival and the Met Gala. Deepika has also been named in TIME magazine鈥檚 list of the 100 most influential people in the world, and in 2023, she was one of the presenters at the Oscars.
Who was the first Indian actor to receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame star?
The only other Indian to be part of the Hollywood Walk of Fame before 2025 was Sabu Dastagir. He was added way back in 1960. Sabu, born in Mysore, was the son of an elephant keeper and got his big break when American filmmaker Robert Flaherty chose him for the 1937 film Elephant Boy, which was based on a story by Rudyard Kipling. Dastagir was also seen in other English-language films like The Drum, The Thief of Bagdad, and Arabian Nights.
In 1944, he became a U.S. citizen and even served in the American army during World War II but his career took a hit after the war. Dastagir appeared in a few films in Europe post-war before tragically passing away at the age of 39 in 1963 due to a heart attack. He was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
Earlier this year, Indian-American actor, writer, and producer Mindy Kaling also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She became the first South Asian woman to receive this recognition.