Did Deepika Padukone pay big for fame?

July 4, 2025 kasheef

The Hollywood Walk of Fame, with more than 2,700 stars embedded in its sidewalks, stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in the world of entertainment. It symbolizes not just fame but a lasting legacy in show business. Spanning Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, it continues to celebrate the achievements of global artists and entertainers.

Deepika Padukone Makes History with Hollywood Walk of Fame Star — But Did You Know It Comes at a Cost?

Mumbai: In a moment of pride for India, Bollywood icon Deepika Padukone has been selected to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Motion Pictures category for the Class of 2026. With this recognition, she becomes the first Indian woman ever to earn this global honour—joining the ranks of international powerhouses like Emily Blunt, Demi Moore, and Timothée Chalamet.

But beyond the glitz, red carpets, and flashing cameras lies a lesser-known truth that might surprise many—getting a star on the Walk of Fame isn’t just about fame.

The Real Cost Behind the Fame

Let’s be clear: No celebrity can simply pay to get a star. There’s a strict selection process carried out by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, where hundreds of names are submitted each year. But here’s the twist—once selected, the star doesn’t magically appear on Hollywood Boulevard.

73 lakhs** (roughly \$85,000). This cost covers several essential elements, including:

Design and creation of the terrazzo-and-brass star
Installation and placement along the iconic Hollywood Boulevard
Lifetime maintenance and upkeep to keep the star clean and undamaged
The star unveiling ceremony, which includes event planning, crowd management, and press coverage

In short, while you cannot buy a star, you do pay for it once selected.

So, who pays this amount? It’s not always the celebrity. Sometimes, it’s their studio, production house, or fan clubs. But in Deepika’s case, the buzz suggests that she or her team has stepped forward to take care of the fees, making it even more personal and meaningful.

Yes, There’s Even a Fee to Apply

Interestingly, before anyone even gets picked, there’s an application fee of around Rs. 23,000 (approximately \$275). This application must include a detailed nomination, highlighting the celebrity’s contributions, achievements, and global impact.

Who can nominate a star? Pretty much anyone—a fan, a manager, or a production studio. But there’s a catch: the celebrity must agree in writing to be nominated, and if selected, they must commit to attending the unveiling ceremony.

Now here’s the kicker—if the \$85,000 fee isn’t paid within two years of selection, the offer is withdrawn, and the whole process must start over. So not only is there a cost, there’s also a deadline.

A Star Among 2,700 Others

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is arguably one of the most recognized sidewalks in the world. With more than 2,700 stars lining the streets of Los Angeles, it stands as a tribute to the biggest legends in film, music, television, and beyond.

Each year, about 300 names are put forward, but only 20 to 30 make the cut. For Deepika Padukone to be among this elite group—especially as a representative of Indian cinema—speaks volumes about her influence and reach on the global stage.

This isn’t just another trophy on a shelf. It’s a permanent mark—etched into the streets of Hollywood, passed by thousands of tourists every single day.

From Bollywood to Global Icon

Deepika’s journey from a debutante in Om Shanti Om to an international name starring in films like xXx: Return of Xander Cage has been nothing short of phenomenal. She’s not only earned critical and commercial success in India but has also become a global ambassador for Indian culture, fashion, and cinema.

From her red-carpet appearances at Cannes and Met Gala to her advocacy for mental health through her foundation, Deepika has proved she’s more than just a movie star. She’s a cultural force, and now, her name will literally be cemented in Hollywood history.

What This Means for Indian Representation

It’s not just about one star on the pavement—it’s about opening doors for other Indian artists to dream bigger and aim higher.

For decades, Hollywood recognition felt like a distant dream for Indian actors. But now, stars like Deepika are proving that Indian talent can shine just as brightly on the world’s biggest stages.

A Moment to Celebrate

While the Rs. 73 lakh fee might raise eyebrows, in the grand scheme of things, it’s a small price to pay for what it symbolizes—global respect, cultural pride, and lasting legacy. Deepika’s star isn’t just for her—it’s for every aspiring actor who sees their story reflected in hers.

As fans eagerly await the unveiling ceremony, likely to be held in 2026, one thing is clear: Deepika Padukone has not just made her mark in Bollywood—she’s carved her name into the very heart of Hollywood.