'Let's Celebrate & Not Bring Them Down': Freida Pinto Backs Deepika Padukone Amid Criticism Over Her Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone is set to receive a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles in 2026 in the Motion Pictures category. Although she has been away from films since the birth of her daughter, Dua Padukone Singh, she continues to make headlines. This makes Padukone the second Indian to receive the prestigious honour, following Sabu Dastagir, the pioneering Indian actor who became the first to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame back in 1960.

Following the announcement, she faced criticism from several netizens who expressed surprise over her selection, despite having done only one Hollywood film, over global stars like Priyanka Chopra and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Freida Pinto Defends Deepika Padukone

Amid the criticism, Slumdog Millionaire actress Freida Pinto came out in support of Deepika, stating that the topic should not spark an "endless debate." Taking to her Instagram story, Pinto wrote on Friday, "To my fellow South Asians- Let’s celebrate our own and not bring them down please. News like this should make us feel proud to see a hardworking, talented Indian woman of substance being celebrated on a global platform. This topic doesn’t need to lend itself endless debate. Congratulations Deepika, you deserve the recognition!"

Others Stars Receiving The Honor

Along with Deepika, Miley Cyrus, Timothee Chalamet, Hollywood actress Emily Blunt, French actress Cotillard, Canadian actress Rachel McAdams, Italian actor Franco Nero, and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay will also be honoured with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. 

Deepika's Reaction

On Thursday, the 39-year-old actress took to Instagram Stories to react to the achievement. She expressed her emotion in one word, "Gratitude..."

Deepika's Work Front

Deepika, who was last seen in Rohit Shetty's Singham Again, is set to reunite with Atlee after the 2023 film Jawan, where she had a cameo.

She will next appear in AA22xA6 opposite Allu Arjun.