Bollywood icon Deepika Padukone has earned a spot on The Shift’s prestigious list of 90+ Women Shaping Culture—an international lineup that includes the likes of Selena Gomez, Angelina Jolie, Billie Eilish, Amal Clooney, and Zoya Akhtar. The special edition honors 91 years of feminist trailblazer Gloria Steinem, spotlighting influential women in activism, creativity, leadership, and global impact.
“Grateful for the Honour,” Says Deepika
Sharing the recognition on Instagram, Deepika wrote:
“In tribute to the one and only Gloria Steinem and her 91 years of activism, The Shift is honoring 90 voices shaping our future. Grateful for the honour… #TheShiftIsOn.”
In her feature, Deepika shared her belief that true success extends beyond professional accolades:
“To me, success isn’t just about professional achievements but also about well-being—where mental health and self-care matter as much as discipline, dedication, and determination. I hope to inspire a generation that values patience, balance, consistency, and authenticity.”
Her inclusion in the list underscores her growing influence beyond cinema—particularly through her mental health advocacy with the Live Love Laugh Foundation, which has helped destigmatize emotional well-being in India and internationally.
A Global Trailblazer: What’s Next for Deepika
Deepika is also on track to become the first Indian to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, an honor expected to be conferred in 2026.
On the film front, she’s set to star in a high-octane, pan-India action film directed by Atlee and backed by Sun Pictures. Tentatively titled AA22xA6, the film pairs her with Allu Arjun in their first on-screen collaboration and marks her second project with Atlee following Jawan. The film has already generated major buzz for its powerhouse cast and cinematic scale.
Additionally, Deepika will return in the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, with production kicking off in December 2025. Producers Priyanka and Swapna Dutt revealed that about 30–35% of Kalki 2 has already been shot. Deepika will reprise her role as the mother figure, although the sequel will focus more on Prabhas’s Karna and his dynamic with Amitabh Bachchan’s Ashwatthama. Director Nag Ashwin has confirmed the script is locked.
As both an artist and an advocate, Deepika Padukone continues to shape culture across continents—on screen and off.
