The Bollywood icon stands tall beside global changemakers like Angelina Jolie, Billie Eilish, and Amal Clooney for her impact on culture, mental health, and cinema.
Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone has gained international acclaim after being included on The Shift's esteemed "90+ Women Shaping Culture" list. This yearly event honors women who are redefining leadership, innovation, and influence in a variety of professions.
This year’s list commemorates 91 years of iconic feminist Gloria Steinem, spotlighting 91 women whose voices are actively shaping the future. Other luminaries on the list include Selena Gomez, Angelina Jolie, Billie Eilish, Amal Clooney, Zoya Akhtar, and activists and leaders from over 20 countries.
“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…”
— Deepika Padukone via Instagram
Deepika's unwavering dedication to mental health activism and her artistic talent are what distinguish her on the list.
"Success involves more than simply career accomplishments; it also involves well-being. I want to motivate a new generation that appreciates persistence, patience, balance, and genuineness." In an interview with The Shift, Deepika Padukone
By combining discipline with empathy and entertainment with impact, she has been recognized for her role as a cultural catalyst and is included on the list.
This decade, Deepika's career has taken off. A significant milestone for South Asian representation in international culture, she is expected to become the first Indian actor to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2026.
The honour aligns with her expanding international profile—from walking the Cannes red carpet as a jury member to starring alongside Vin Diesel in XXX: Return of Xander Cage to speaking at the World Economic Forum on emotional health.
The powerhouse performer is now preparing for an adrenaline-packed action spectacle with director Atlee, titled AA22xA6. The pan-India project features Allu Arjun in the lead and marks Deepika’s first collaboration with the Telugu superstar and her second with Atlee after Jawan.
Meanwhile, she’s also set to reprise her role in the epic Kalki 2898 AD sequel, where she plays a crucial maternal figure. According to producers Priyanka and Swapna Dutt, 30–35% of the sequel has already been filmed, and Deepika will feature in key emotional arcs.
“The script is locked. Kalki 2 will be heavier on Karna and Ashwatthama, but Deepika’s presence as the mother continues.”
— Director Nag Ashwin in a media statement
Whether through cinematic choices, cultural diplomacy, or mental health advocacy, Deepika Padukone is curating a narrative that blends vulnerability with victory. Her recognition on the global list is more than symbolic—it's a testament to her unwavering commitment to purposeful stardom.
As The Shift puts it, these 90+ women “aren’t just participating in culture. They’re shaping what comes next.”
