Deepika Padukone's upcoming recognition with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has sparked considerable discussion and debate, even drawing in other Bollywood personalities. While many fans celebrated Padukone becoming the first Bollywood actor to receive this honor, some questioned whether she was as deserving as other Indian actors with more extensive Hollywood careers, such as Priyanka Chopra, Irrfan Khan, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Amidst this backdrop, Sonam Kapoor seemingly added fuel to the fire by liking a cryptic social media post that alluded to celebrities needing to pay for the star.
Padukone's achievement is a significant moment for Indian cinema, marking a milestone in the global recognition of Indian talent. The announcement was made during a live-streamed event by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, placing her among other prominent figures in the Motion Pictures category for the Class of 2026, including Emily Blunt, Timothée Chalamet, and Rami Malek. Padukone herself acknowledged the honor with a message of "Gratitude" on her Instagram Story, expressing hope that it "paves the way for more South Asian representation around the world".
However, the announcement also ignited a debate online, with some questioning Padukone's contributions to global cinema compared to her peers. Some pointed out that her only Hollywood production was "XXX: Return of Xander Cage" (2017), while others emphasized her global stature as a brand ambassador for Louis Vuitton and Cartier, her role in unveiling the 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy, and her Cannes Film Festival jury membership.
Adding to the controversy, Sonam Kapoor's liking of a cryptic post suggesting that celebrities have to pay for their Walk of Fame stars stirred further discussion. This touched upon a common misconception that celebrities can simply buy their way onto the Walk of Fame. However, the Hollywood Walk of Fame has specific criteria and a nomination process. Anyone, including a fan, can nominate a celebrity, but the celebrity or their management must agree with the nomination. The nomination process includes an application fee.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce then filters the nominations, selecting around 20 to 30 names each year based on career merit, public goodwill, and overall impact. Once selected, a sponsor, often a studio, brand, or fan group, is required to pay a fee for the creation, installation, and maintenance of the star. This fee, which currently ranges from $75,000 to $85,000, is paid to the Hollywood Historic Trust, a non-profit organization that maintains the Walk of Fame. The celebrity then has two years to schedule the installation ceremony.
In response to the criticism and debate surrounding Padukone's star, actress Freida Pinto defended Padukone and urged the South Asian community to celebrate each other's achievements rather than tearing them down. Pinto emphasized that Padukone is a hardworking and talented Indian woman who deserves the recognition.
