Deepika Padukone’s Hollywood Walk of Fame Honour is Big – But She’s Not the First Indian Star: Actor Deepika Padukone has been announced as one of the 2025 inductees to the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking another proud moment for India in global entertainment. However, what many fans do not know is that she is not the first Indian to receive this honour.
Deepika Joins Hollywood’s Elite
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced the Class of 2026 Walk of Fame honourees on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025, at a live press conference from Ovation Hollywood. Deepika Padukone, celebrated for her roles in Padmaavat, Chennai Express, and xXx: Return of Xander Cage, will receive her star under the Motion Pictures category.
Peter Roth, Chairman of the Walk of Fame Selection Panel, said:
“We are excited to announce the newest selections of 35 esteemed individuals who will be enshrined onto the Walk of Fame. These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honor them with this well-deserved recognition.”
The honourees were chosen from hundreds of nominations at the Selection Panel’s meeting held on June 20, 2025, and ratified by the Chamber’s Board of Directors on June 25th. The full list was published on walkoffame.com at 11:10 am on July 2nd.
But Who Was the First Indian on the Walk of Fame?
While Deepika’s fans are overjoyed, film historians note that Sabu Dastagir, known mononymously as Sabu, was the first Indian actor to be honoured on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Born in Mysore in 1924, Sabu became a major Hollywood star in the 1930s and 1940s, starring in iconic films such as: The Thief of Bagdad (1940), Jungle Book (1942), Black Narcissus (1947)
Sabu was awarded a star for his contribution to Motion Pictures. His star is located at 6322 Hollywood Blvd (Walk of Fame).
Why This Matters
Firstly, Deepika’s honour is historic for a contemporary Indian female actor in Hollywood. Secondly, it highlights the long legacy of Indian talent in Western cinema, dating back over 80 years. Moreover, it reminds the global South Asian community of pioneers like Sabu, who paved the way for today’s stars.
About The Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Walk of Fame, established in 1960, honours individuals for achievements in film, television, music, radio, live performance, and sports entertainment. It spans over 1.3 miles along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, attracting millions of visitors annually (Hollywood Chamber of Commerce).
