Today, January 5, 2026, Deepika Padukone celebrates her 40th birthday, marking a milestone in a career that has seen her evolve from a fresh face in Bollywood to a global icon. Her journey, which began with a Kannada film debut in 2006 and a Bollywood breakthrough in 2007's Om Shanti Om, has been nothing short of remarkable.
Padukone's career is characterized by her versatility and willingness to take on challenging roles. From romantic dramas like Love Aaj Kal and Cocktail to historical epics like Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat, she has consistently delivered acclaimed performances. Her portrayal of diverse characters in films such as Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Chennai Express, and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela solidified her position as one of Bollywood's leading actresses.
Her talent has been recognized with numerous awards, including three Filmfare Awards, seven IIFA awards, five Producers Guild Film Awards, ten Screen Awards, three Stardust Awards, and seven Zee Cine Awards. In 2007, she won two Filmfare Awards for her role in Om Shanti Om: Best Female Debut and Fresh Face of the Year. She later won Best Actress awards for her performances in Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013) and Piku (2015).
Beyond her success in Indian cinema, Padukone has become a prominent figure on the global stage. She has represented India at international events, served on the Cannes Film Festival jury, and become the first Indian House Ambassador for Louis Vuitton and Cartier. In 2022, she made history as the first Indian to unveil the FIFA World Cup trophy. In 2023, she was a presenter at the 95th Academy Awards, introducing the Oscar-winning song "Naatu Naatu" from RRR.
Padukone's influence extends beyond entertainment. She has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, receiving the World Economic Forum's Crystal Award in 2020 for her leadership in this area. Her work with the Live Love Laugh Foundation has helped to reduce stigma and promote mental well-being.
In recent years, Padukone has continued to break barriers and achieve new milestones. She is the only Indian actor to have starred in three films that have grossed over ₹1000 crore globally: Pathaan (2023), Jawan (2023), and Kalki 2898 AD (2024). In 2025, it was announced that she would receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2026, a testament to her global influence. She also became the voice of Meta AI, making her the first Indian celebrity to be featured in this role.
As Deepika Padukone enters her 40s, she continues to inspire and redefine what it means to be a global icon. Her journey from a Bollywood debutante to an internationally recognized actress and advocate is a testament to her talent, hard work, and commitment to making a difference. She is currently in New York with her husband, Ranveer Singh, celebrating her birthday.
