Actor, producer, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate Deepika Padukone marks her 40th birthday by launching an initiative to empower the next generation of creative talent.
Deepika Padukone launches The OnSet Program
Continuing her commitment to nurturing authentic storytelling and fresh talent, Deepika today announced the launch of ‘The OnSet Program’, the next chapter of her Create With Me platform, aimed at empowering aspiring creative artists to pursue a career in the Indian film, television and advertising industry, a platform for promising talent to be “seen, heard, and experienced.”
While the program will provide training opportunities to promising talent, it will also serve as a launch platform for individuals who possess the relevant expertise and experience to lead their own projects. Writing, direction, camera, lighting, editing, sound design, art direction, costume designing, hair styling, make-up artistry and production are the departments that will be available as part of the program’s first phase.
Sharing a video on her Instagram handle, Deepika shares, “This past year, I’ve been feeling very strongly about identifying incredible creative talent from across the country and beyond and giving them a platform to be seen, heard and experienced. I am beyond thrilled to announce the launch of The OnSet Program and truly cannot wait to introduce all of you to the next generation of creative talent.”
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Building on her vision to identify creative talent from the country and beyond, The OnSet Program by Deepika Padukone can now be further explored on its website, where individuals can submit their work and stand a chance to collaborate with the best in the business.
Deepika Padukone`s pre-birthday celebrations
Deepika Padukone turned 40 today, on January 5, 2026. However, the Cocktail star hosted a pre-birthday celebration called `A day of gratitude with Deepika Padukone` for her fans across the country last month, on 18th December.
Glimpses from the heartwarming celebrations held at the Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai began surfacing online, and it was things adorable. From booking flight tickets to a scumptious spread of meals, selfies to a huge gift hamper, Deepika planned a day that was a dream come true for many of her fans.
True to its Christmas theme, the venue was decked up with hollies and wreaths, covering the venue in hues of green, maroon, white and gold. It also featured a huge Christmas tree decked up with polaroids of her fans.
Deepika wore a maroon-burgundy fuzzy, oversized sweater paired with matching high-waisted, flowy trousers. She completed the look with pointed-toe heels.
Deepika cut a huge three-tier cake with her fans as the song Aankhon Mein Teri from her film Om Shanti Om played in the background.
