On January 5, 2026, renowned Indian actor and producer Deepika Padukone celebrated her 40th birthday by announcing a significant new initiative called 'The OnSet Program'. This program is designed to empower and nurture the next generation of creative talent across the Indian film, television, and advertising industries. Launched as an extension of her existing 'Create With Me' platform, 'The OnSet Program' aims to provide aspiring artists and technicians with invaluable experiential learning and tangible opportunities within the entertainment sector. Padukone shared the exciting news through a video posted on her Instagram handle, articulating her strong conviction about identifying and providing a platform for incredible creative talent from both within India and internationally. She expressed her immense enthusiasm for the initiative, stating her eagerness to introduce the world to the future wave of creative professionals. The program's first phase is comprehensive, covering various essential departments such as writing, direction, camera work, lighting, editing, sound designing, art direction, costume designing, hair styling, make-up artistry, and production. This multi-faceted approach ensures that talent across diverse technical and creative roles can benefit. 'The OnSet Program' is positioned not only as a training ground but also as a launchpad for individuals who already possess the necessary expertise and experience to spearhead their own projects. By focusing on access, execution, and industry integration, Padukone's initiative seeks to make the creative space more inclusive and accessible, spotlighting talent that might otherwise remain undiscovered. This move further solidifies Padukone's commitment to evolving the entertainment ecosystem beyond her acting career, fostering collaboration and fresh storytelling for a vibrant future in Indian media. The announcement, made on her milestone birthday, has garnered significant attention and reinforces her role as an influential figure dedicated to empowering the industry's future.