Actor and producer Deepika Padukone marked her birthday yesterday by unveiling a new initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of creative professionals in the entertainment industry.

The actor announced the launch of ‘The OnSet Program’, an extension of her Create With Me platform, which is designed to support aspiring talent looking to build careers in Indian film, television and advertising, according to a PTI report from Mumbai.

The initiative focuses on identifying promising creative artists from across the country and beyond, and providing them with meaningful exposure and opportunities within the industry. The programme reflects Padukone’s growing interest in mentoring and empowering young voices who often struggle to find platforms to showcase their skills.

Padukone shared the announcement through a video posted on her Instagram handle, where she spoke about the intent behind the initiative. “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. I am beyond thrilled to announce the launch of ‘The OnSet Program’ and truly cannot wait to introduce all of you to the next generation of creative talent,” she said in the video.

Known for her performances in films such as ‘Chennai Express’, ‘Padmaavat’, ‘Piku’ and ‘Pathaan’, Padukone has, in recent years, expanded her role in the industry beyond acting. Through her production ventures and creative platforms, she has increasingly focused on building ecosystems that encourage collaboration and fresh storytelling.

With ‘The OnSet Program’, Padukone aims to offer emerging artists hands-on experience and closer access to the working environment of the entertainment industry. The initiative is positioned as a step towards making the creative space more inclusive and accessible, while spotlighting talent that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The actor-producer said she is looking forward to introducing audiences to the new wave of creative professionals that the program hopes to support, signalling a long-term commitment to fostering growth and opportunity within India’s evolving entertainment landscape.