Controversy has erupted online after Sonam Kapoor and her sister Rhea Kapoor liked an Instagram post discussing rumors that Deepika Padukone paid for her upcoming star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The focus keyword, Deepika Padukone Walk of Fame Star, has become central to debates on celebrity recognition and the process behind earning a coveted spot on one of the world’s most famous sidewalks.
Deepika Padukone Named to Walk of Fame Class of 2026
Deepika Padukone, celebrated as one of the highest-paid actors in India, has been selected for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2026, under the Motion Pictures category. Her career, marked by success both in Bollywood and her growing presence in Western projects, is a source of immense pride for Indian fans globally. As Padukone’s friends and admirers expressed joy at this recognition, new questions began circulating on social media regarding the financial aspects of receiving a star.
Reports soon surfaced noting the significant cost involved with the honor. According to publicly available information from the Hollywood Walk of Fame’s official guidelines, any nomination must be accompanied by a letter of agreement from the celebrity or their management team. Without this letter, the nomination is not accepted by the selection committee.
“If there is no letter of agreement included from the celebrity or his/her representative, the committee will not accept the application.”
Beyond the nomination process, a sponsorship fee is attached to each star. Officially, this comes out to USD 85,000, an amount specified for star creation, installation, and future maintenance on the famous walkway. Diet Sabya, the Instagram account known for revealing industry insights and controversies, posted details about this process, emphasizing both fan-nominations and the necessity of financial backing. This post was at the center of the most recent debate, for it was liked by Sonam Kapoor and her stylist sister, Rhea Kapoor, sparking a surge of speculation across online forums.
Sonam Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor’s Social Media Activity Intensifies Rumors
The like from Sonam Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor on Diet Sabya’s post did not go unnoticed. Online observers quickly interpreted their actions as an implicit nod toward allegations that Deepika, or her representatives, may have contributed the sponsorship fee. The cost, equivalent to roughly Rs. 73 lakh, is a hefty sum even by celebrity standards, yet is widely known as an industry norm for those honored with a star.
The combination of this social media activity, alongside the context of longstanding tensions between Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor, heightened speculation about the motivations behind the endorsement. Some users questioned whether a fresh wave of rivalry is developing between the two stars.
Diet Sabya’s post clearly outlined the rule that anyone—including fans—can nominate an artist, but the actualization of the honor requires both candid approval from the celebrity’s side and the necessary funds. This raised further public questions: does financial payment impact the legitimacy of earning a Walk of Fame star, and does the existence of a sponsorship fee create space for industry politics or perceived snubs?
The Process and Costs Behind a Walk of Fame Star
Securing a place on the Hollywood Walk of Fame follows well-defined, though expensive, criteria. A celebrity nomination must come coupled with an agreement letter, followed by selection by the committee. Once selected, the candidate is expected to cover sponsorship fees ranging from USD 75,000 to USD 85,000. These funds support the installation and upkeep of the star, making the entire process both an honor and an investment.
This structure is not unique to Deepika Padukone’s case. The Hollywood Walk of Fame has a long history of such practices, with similar sponsorship costs borne by countless celebrities. The payment, however, has fueled debates about whether fame, achievement, or financial contribution determine whose names get immortalized on Hollywood Boulevard.
The topic escalated following public observations that Sonam Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor engaged with Diet Sabya’s revelations. This interaction revived memories of public disagreements and rivalries that have characterized the relationship between Sonam and Deepika, prompting an upswing in media and audience conjecture about their current rapport.
A History of Public Spats and Recent Apologies
The relationship between Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone has long garnered attention for its tumultuous and public nature. Both actors launched their film careers in the same year, with Sonam Kapoor making her debut in Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s “Sawariyaa” alongside Ranbir Kapoor, while Deepika Padukone starred in “Om Shanti Om” opposite Shah Rukh Khan and under the direction of Farah Khan. The parallels in their professional journeys have often brought comparisons—and at times, conflict.
Throughout the years, Sonam Kapoor has made remarks about Padukone in a variety of interviews and media events, sometimes interpreted by fans as indirect digs or criticisms. The competitive energy between the two has spilled into public discourse repeatedly, with each new interaction closely analyzed for signs of rivalry or reconciliation.
In a notable video resurfacing recently, Sonam Kapoor publicly addressed Deepika Padukone, referencing her history of making controversial comments. She offered a rare apology, openly admitting to having made unkind remarks in the past and asking Deepika for her reaction. The directness of her approach was seen as both candid and vulnerable, drawing attention from industry insiders and the wider public alike.
Hi Deepika. I was wondering how do you react to some of the stupid things that I say about you on camera? I’m sorry.
—Sonam Kapoor, Actress
Ongoing Reaction and Industry Impact
The current situation—fueled by Sonam Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor’s engagement with the Walk of Fame payment rumors—has prompted ongoing debates within industry circles and among fans. For some, the controversy underscores the complexities of celebrity culture and recognition in an era where social media engagement can influence or reflect underlying disputes.
Observers also point to the larger questions surrounding celebrity accolades such as the Walk of Fame star. The association of substantial financial sponsorship with the honor complicates perceptions of what it means to be recognized for artistic achievement. It also intensifies scrutiny of each recipient’s path to such acknowledgments and whether industry politics play an outsized role in these moments.
Aside from the immediate focus on Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, and Rhea Kapoor, the issue has cast light on broader topics. These include the influence of fan communities, the potential for sponsors or management teams to shape the public image of stars, and the capacity for online platforms to magnify tensions or alliances within Bollywood and beyond.
The involvement of familiar names like Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, and the ongoing coverage by platforms such as Diet Sabya demonstrate how interconnected celebrity spheres have become, both in India and internationally. The voices of key entities noted throughout the discourse—be they fans, celebrities, or industry insiders—continue to add layers to the ongoing debate about fame, finance, and legacy.
What Awaits Amid Evolving Celebrity Narratives
As speculation remains high about the circumstances of Deepika Padukone’s upcoming Walk of Fame star, Bollywood’s intricate web of relationships continues to shape public perception. The controversy highlighted by Sonam and Rhea Kapoor’s online activity, combined with resurfaced memories of past tensions, suggests that issues of credibility, rivalry, and recognition are unlikely to fade soon.
For Deepika Padukone, this episode punctuates her ongoing efforts to make her mark on the international stage. Whether the payment aspect of the Walk of Fame process alters the way her achievement is perceived remains to be seen, but what is clear is that conversations about what constitutes an “earned” honor in the celebrity world will continue well beyond the unveiling of her star.
The wider significance for Bollywood lies in how such debates influence industry dynamics, expectations for emerging stars, and the evolving standards by which global recognition is measured. As the story develops, observers will watch to see if longstanding differences between figures like Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone soften, intensify, or reshape altogether in the public eye.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Deepika Padukone on IVF or normal?
A. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh tried to have a baby naturally but were not successful. They chose to try IVF instead. Deepika went through several failed IVF attempts before they finally had their baby girl.
