Deepika Padukone Launches ‘OnSet’ on Her 40th Birthday, a Learning Program To Empower Emerging Creative Talent (Watch Video)
On the occasion of her 40th birthday, Deepika Padukone surprised fans with a special gift. Taking to her Instagram handle, the Bollywood actress dropped a video announcing 'OnSet' program, a learning module for people who want to build a career in cinema, television and advertising.
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone marked her 40th birthday on Monday, January 5, 2026, with the launch of the OnSet program, a new initiative designed to provide structured career pathways for aspiring creative professionals in the Indian film, television, and advertising industries. Handwritten Note, Gift Hampers and Lavish Buffet: Deepika Padukone Celebrates 40th Birthday With 50 Lucky Fans at Meet-and-Greet Event in Mumbai (View Pics and Watch Videos).
Deepika Padukone Launches Mentorship Program ‘OnSet’ on Her Birthday
Deepika Padukone marked her birthday by launching OnSet, an experimental learning programme made for training aspiring film and television technicians across various departments. The program serves as the latest chapter of her "Create With Me" platform. It aims to bridge the gap between fresh talent and the professional industry by offering hands-on, experiential learning opportunities across various technical and creative departments.
Deepika Padukone Launches OnSet Program on Her Birthday
Empowering Behind-the-Scenes Professionals
Unlike many celebrity-led talent hunts that focus on acting, The OnSet Program prioritises the technical backbone of filmmaking. In its initial phase, the initiative will open doors for aspirants in 11 specific departments: Writing and Direction, Cinematography (Camera and Lighting). Post-Production (Editing and Sound Design), Visual Design (Art Direction and Costume Design), Technical Artistry (Hair and Make-up), Production Management.
"This past year, I’ve been feeling very strongly about identifying incredible creative talent from across the country and beyond and giving them a platform to be seen, heard, and experienced," Padukone said in a video announcement shared on her Instagram.
A Two-Fold Approach to Mentorship
The program is structured to accommodate individuals at different stages of their professional journey. For newcomers, it provides a training ground to learn the nuances of professional sets. For those who already possess foundational expertise, the program functions as a "launch play-field," allowing them to lead their own projects or collaborate with established industry experts.
Applications are being accepted through the program’s official website, where candidates can submit their portfolios and personal stories. Selected participants will gain direct access to industry environments, moving beyond theoretical study to practical execution. Deepika Padukone’s FIRST Look in Samurai Avatar From Atlee’s ‘AA22xA6’ Unveiled on Her 40th Birthday? Netizens Left Confused.
Meanwhile, on the work front, Deepika Padukone is currently shooting for Shah Rukh Khan's King. The Siddharth Anand directorial also features Suhana Khan, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Raghav Juyal and Abhay Verman among others in key roles.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 05, 2026 08:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).