Deepika Padukone Launches OnSet Program to Empower Creative Talent on 40th Birthday

Actor and producer Deepika Padukone marked a significant personal milestone by unveiling a new initiative aimed at nurturing and empowering creative talent across India’s entertainment ecosystem. On January 5, 2026, coinciding with her 40th birthday, the actor announced the launch of The OnSet Program, a platform designed to support aspiring professionals in the film, television and advertising industries.

The initiative reflects Padukone’s growing interest in shaping the future of the creative workforce by offering structured exposure, mentorship and experiential learning opportunities. Announcing the project on social media, she described it as a passion-driven effort to identify fresh talent and provide them with a meaningful pathway into the industry.

According to Padukone, the idea behind The OnSet Program has been evolving over the past year, driven by a desire to create access for individuals who may otherwise struggle to find opportunities in a highly competitive and network-driven environment. The platform invites aspirants to submit their work, share their journey and gain a chance to collaborate with experienced professionals across multiple creative departments.

A Platform Focused on Experiential Learning

Unlike conventional talent discovery initiatives, The OnSet Program places strong emphasis on hands-on experience. It is structured as an experiential learning model for technicians and creative professionals working behind the scenes, including those aspiring to build careers in cinematography, production design, costume, sound, editing and allied departments.

The program aims to bridge the gap between formal education and real-world industry demands by allowing participants to learn directly on professional sets. By doing so, it seeks to demystify the filmmaking process and make career entry points more accessible to a broader pool of talent.

Industry observers see the initiative as a timely intervention, particularly as conversations around inclusivity, access and sustainable career pathways gain momentum within Indian cinema and advertising.

A Broader Vision Beyond Stardom

Padukone’s move highlights her expanding role beyond acting, positioning her as an industry stakeholder invested in long-term structural development. Over the years, she has increasingly taken on responsibilities as a producer and entrepreneur, using her platform to influence conversations around mental health, representation and now creative empowerment.

The launch of The OnSet Program on her birthday added symbolic weight to the announcement, with many viewing it as a reflection of her evolving priorities at this stage of her career.

Busy Slate Ahead

While launching the initiative, Padukone continues to maintain a packed professional schedule. She is set to appear in a large-scale science fiction project directed by Atlee, co-starring Allu Arjun. Tentatively titled AA22 x A6, the pan-India film is being produced by Sun Pictures and is positioned as one of the most ambitious projects currently in development.

In addition, Padukone will be seen in King, directed by Siddharth Anand, alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Abhay Verma.

Her most recent theatrical release was Fighter, which further reinforced her box-office standing.

Looking Ahead

With The OnSet Program, Deepika Padukone adds another dimension to her public legacy — one that focuses on opportunity creation rather than individual stardom. As the platform opens applications, the industry will be watching closely to see how the initiative translates into real-world impact for aspiring creative professionals.