Bollywood’s reigning queen, Deepika Padukone, turned 40 on Monday, January 5, and the celebrations were nothing short of spectacular. Fans across the globe flooded social media with heartfelt wishes, while friends from the industry joined in to shower love on the actress. At the same time, anticipation was high. Many expected that Deepika might surprise everyone with a new film announcement or unveil a poster from one of her upcoming projects.
Deepika’s Birthday Celebration in New York
On the personal front, Deepika celebrated her birthday in New York with her husband, Ranveer Singh. The couple welcomed the New Year together before marking her special day. Videos of her cutting a cake with fans have already gone viral, capturing the warmth and gratitude she expressed during a meet-and-greet session held in December 2025.
Meanwhile, the internet was abuzz with a viral post on X. The post claimed that director Siddharth Anand had shared the first poster of King, featuring Deepika Padukone. The caption read, “She doesn’t need a bullet to kill you! Presenting Deepika Padukone in #King – Siddharth Anand via IG.”
At first glance, the poster looked convincing. However, closer inspection revealed the truth. The image was either AI-generated or cleverly photoshopped. In fact, the visual was lifted from Deepika’s look in Pathaan, another Siddharth Anand directorial starring Shah Rukh Khan. Importantly, Anand himself has not shared any such poster on Instagram, making the viral claim misleading.
Upcoming Films on the Horizon
Transitioning to her professional commitments, Deepika has an exciting slate ahead. She is currently working on King, a high-profile film directed by Siddharth Anand and headlined by Shah Rukh Khan. The movie also boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Suhana Khan, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, and Jackie Shroff. Scheduled for a 2026 release, King is already being touted as one of the most anticipated films of the decade.
Interestingly, Deepika began shooting for King last year. At that time, she shared a heartfelt note reflecting on her journey with Anand. She recalled how, during Om Shanti Om nearly 18 years ago, he taught her that the joy of filmmaking lies more in the process and the people than in the eventual success. That philosophy, she explained, has guided her career choices ever since. With King marking their sixth collaboration, the duo’s creative bond continues to grow stronger.
In addition to King, Deepika is also set to star in Atlee’s next project alongside Telugu superstar Allu Arjun. This film, still under wraps, promises to be another milestone in her career.
Giving Back to the Industry
However, Deepika’s 40th birthday was not just about films and celebrations. It was also about giving back. Marking this milestone, she announced her passion project, On Set, an experiential learning initiative designed to nurture aspiring technicians in Indian cinema and television.
Through this program, opportunities will be created for emerging talent in diverse fields such as writing, directing, cinematography, lighting, editing, sound design, art direction, costume design, hair styling, make-up, and production. In a video message, Deepika explained that the initiative is a continuation of her earlier Create With Me campaign. She emphasized her desire to discover remarkable creative voices across the nation and provide them with a platform to shine.
Her words carried deep conviction: “The experience of making a movie, and the people you make it with, matter far more than its success.” With On Set, she hopes to instill this philosophy in the next generation of film professionals.
Deepika Padukone’s 40th birthday was more than just a celebration. It was a reflection of her journey, her commitment to cinema, and her vision for the future. While fans eagerly await her upcoming films, her initiative On Set proves that she is equally dedicated to shaping the industry behind the camera. As she steps into a new decade of her life, Deepika continues to inspire with her talent, her generosity, and her unwavering passion for storytelling.
