Bollywood star Deepika Padukone marked her 40th birthday on January 5, 2026, with a significant announcement aimed at nurturing the next generation of creative professionals in India’s entertainment industry. The actor-producer unveiled The OnSet Program, a new initiative designed to provide structured opportunities, training and industry exposure for aspiring talent across film, television and advertising.
Nurturing talent behind the camera
The OnSet Program is part of Deepika’s broader Create With Me platform, which focuses on empowering fresh voices and helping them build meaningful careers in creative fields. Rather than concentrating only on acting or celebrity endorsements, the initiative highlights the importance of the often-overlooked technical and creative departments that bring stories to life on screen.
How The OnSet Program works
In its first phase, The OnSet Program will support aspiring professionals across multiple key areas, including writing and direction, cinematography (camera and lighting), editing and sound design, art and costume design, hair and make-up artistry, and production management. Participants will have the chance to gain hands-on, on-set experience, bridging the gap between training and professional work.
Deepika shared her vision for the initiative in a video posted on social media, saying that over the past year she felt strongly about “identifying incredible creative talent from across the country and beyond and giving them a platform to be seen, heard and experienced.” She added that she was thrilled to introduce the next generation of creative talent to the world.
A platform for new voices and real opportunity
Unlike many celebrity-backed talent hunts that focus on brief competitions or spotlights, The OnSet Program is structured both as a learning programme and a launch pad. Talented individuals who already have foundational skills will be able to use the programme as a springboard to work on real projects, take on larger responsibilities and collaborate with industry professionals.
Applications are open through the initiative’s official portal, where aspiring creators can submit their work and personal stories for consideration. Selected participants will gain exposure to real industry environments, helping them transition from training to professional execution.
Larger implications for Indian entertainment
Deepika Padukone’s initiative comes at a time when the Indian film industry is rapidly evolving, with new creative roles and storytelling formats emerging across digital, television, and advertising platforms. By emphasizing technical and creative crafts, The OnSet Program recognises that strong storytelling needs both visible and behind-the-scenes talent.
With The OnSet Program, Deepika aims to ensure that new voices are not only discovered but also given the resources and space to thrive a move that could reshape how creative professionals enter and grow within the industry.