Deepika Padukone joins global icons on list of women shaping culture

Bollywood icon Deepika Padukone has earned a spot on The Shift's esteemed roster titled "90+ Women Shaping Culture", which celebrates influential women from around the world. 

This globally recognised list features names such as Selena Gomez, Angelina Jolie, Billie Eilish, Amal Clooney, and Zoya Akhtar. The latest edition was released as a tribute to 91 years of legendary feminist Gloria Steinem's life and activism, spotlighting women who are shaping the future through their work in activism, creativity, leadership, and cultural impact.

Deepika took to Instagram today to express her appreciation, writing, "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."

In her feature, Deepika shared her view on what success truly means to her, "To me, success isn't just about professional achievements but also about well-being—where mental health and self-care matter as much as discipline, dedication, and determination. I hope to inspire a generation that values patience, balance, consistency, and authenticity." 

Her recognition on this list underlines not only her cinematic achievements but also her commitment to mental health advocacy, especially through her Live Love Laugh Foundation, which has played a pivotal role in destigmatising mental health discussions in India and beyond.

Deepika also made history recently by becoming the first Indian personality to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2026.

Looking ahead, Deepika is preparing for her upcoming action-packed multilingual film helmed by director Atlee and produced by Sun Pictures. Provisionally titled "AA22xA6", the film stars Allu Arjun in the lead and marks Deepika's first collaboration with him. This also marks her second project with Atlee following their successful work on "Jawan". With a stellar cast, the movie has already stirred excitement and is expected to be one of the most eagerly awaited releases in the coming year.

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In addition, Deepika is set to reprise her role in the sequel to "Kalki 2898 AD", with filming set to resume in December 2025. Producers Priyanka and Swapna Dutt have revealed that approximately 30–35% of the sequel has already been completed. Deepika will continue portraying the character of the mother in key segments of the follow-up.

Director Nag Ashwin confirmed that the script for the sequel is finalised. The narrative will delve deeper into the arc of Prabhas's character, Karna, and explore his complex relationship with Amitabh Bachchan's Ashwatthama.