Why Deepika Padukone Will Pay ₹73 Lakh Annually to Maintain Her Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

The ₹73 Lakh Secret Behind Deepika’s Walk of Fame Star 

Deepika Padukone's latest honor, having a star revealed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first Indian actress to receive this distinction. However, beneath the glamour of this achievement lies a lesser-known financial obligation: an annual fee of approximately ₹73 lakh (USD 88,000) to maintain her star on the Walk of Fame. 

This revelation has sparked widespread discussion and raised important questions about the economics of celebrity recognition and the long-term implications of such accolades.

The Rigid Selection Process: A Historic Honor With a Price Tag

Contrary to popular opinion, it is not truly possible to buy a star on the Walk of Fame. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has a selection committee that looks at nominees based on the following criteria:

• Professional accomplishments (five or more years of experience)
• The committee looks beyond the nominees' professional accomplishments and also includes contributions to the entertainment sector. 
• Contributions to the local community.
• Would like to be involved in the unveiling ceremony if selected. 

Deepika's recognition as a star is a testament to the success she has achieved with crossover audiences not just in Bollywood influences (Pathaan) but also in Hollywood (xXx: Return of Xander Cage). If you look at the 2026 group, approximately 300 individuals were put up for consideration, and 24–30 recipients were chosen.

Understanding the Annual Fee of ₹73 Lakh

What the sponsorship cost encompasses:

• Star production: All terrazzo-and-brass emblem stars are produced at a high expense.
• The star placement involves the precise positioning of the star on the designated block located on Hollywood Boulevard.
• Regular maintenance of the placements: The Walk of Fame receives 10 million visitors every year; therefore, the stars must be cleaned and repaired accordingly.
• Although some stars may personally incur the cost of sponsoring themselves, studios or sponsors typically bear the cost of sponsoring the star. It has been reported that Deepika's production house, Ka Productions, would pay for the sponsorship.
  
  

The 24-Month Timeline: Time Is of the Essence.

Inductees have 24 months to conduct their unveiling ceremony; otherwise, they forfeit that right. Earlier recipients, such as Gene Kelly, have lost out on this opportunity due to delays. Deepika's team is coordinating with the Chamber to schedule the ceremony around her releases in 2025, including Singham Again and her collaboration with Allu Arjun.

Beyond Glamour: A Milestone for Indian Cinema 

Deepika's star status is not limited to her achievements; it is a giant step for Indian representation. Before Deepika, there were only three Indians, along with musician A.R. Rahman and actor Sabu Dastagir, recognized at the Chinese Theatre in the 1930s. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh stated that this recognition proves Bollywood has become a global player.

The Fine Print of Immortality: What Fame Really Costs

The Walk of Fame may promise everlasting recognition, but its brass-and-terrazzo stars come with a modern reality check. The ₹73 lakh bill is not only for maintenance; it represents a deliberate career narrative. For Deepika Padukone, this recurring fee symbolizes something much larger than just a plaque in the sidewalk: it reflects the cost of changing Bollywood's position in the global cinematic landscape. The message is clear in today’s entertainment economy: even the pursuit of immortality requires a solid business model.