Deepika Padukone Launches ‘The OnSet Program’ to Open Doors for Emerging Talent in Film Industry

Deepika Padukone, one of Indian cinema’s most recognisable and influential voices, has announced the launch of The OnSet Program, a new initiative aimed at empowering aspiring creative professionals seeking a foothold in the Indian film, television and advertising industries. The programme marks the next chapter of her Create With Me platform and represents a deliberate effort to move beyond conversation and into structured action at a time when access, mentorship and opportunity remain unevenly distributed across the entertainment ecosystem.

Widely known for her performances in films such as Chennai Express, Padmaavat, Piku and Pathaan, Padukone has spent nearly two decades navigating the many layers of an industry that is both aspirational and unforgiving. With The OnSet Program, she is now attempting to address one of its most persistent challenges: the lack of structured, real-world exposure for emerging talent trying to break into a system that often functions through informal networks and insider access.

Positioned as a hands-on learning experience rather than a conventional training course, The OnSet Program is designed to place selected participants directly within live professional environments. Aspiring artists will gain first-hand exposure to how sets operate, how creative decisions are made under pressure, and how collaboration unfolds across departments. The emphasis is on experiential learning, understanding the rhythm, discipline and realities of working on a functioning set, rather than engaging with cinema as a distant or theoretical pursuit.

By anchoring the initiative within the broader Create With Me platform, Padukone is framing creativity as a collaborative process rather than an individual pursuit. The programme is open to a wide spectrum of aspirants, including those interested in acting, direction, writing, production and other creative roles that form the backbone of visual storytelling. In doing so, it recognises that the future of the industry depends not only on star performers, but on the collective strength of technicians, storytellers and behind-the-scenes professionals who rarely receive structured mentorship early in their careers.

The launch comes at a moment of transition for the Indian entertainment industry. Streaming platforms, independent productions and brand-led content have expanded the demand for skilled creative professionals, yet entry into these spaces remains difficult for those without prior exposure or industry connections. The OnSet Program seeks to bridge this gap by offering participants an insider’s view of professional workflows, expectations and standard knowledge that is often acquired only after years of trial and error.

Padukone’s initiative is also informed by her own experience of entering the industry without a conventional film lineage. Over the years, she has spoken openly about the uncertainty and pressure that define the early stages of a creative career. By institutionalising access to real sets and real professionals, The OnSet Program attempts to replace ambiguity with clarity, allowing participants to make informed decisions about their creative paths.

There is a notable emphasis on learning through observation and participation rather than competition. Unlike talent hunts that reward visibility over process, the programme prioritises immersion, discipline and long-term skill development. Participants are expected to observe closely, assist where appropriate and absorb the nuances of professional conduct—how crews communicate, how creative disagreements are resolved and how artistic vision is balanced with logistical constraints. These are lessons rarely taught in classrooms, yet essential for survival in a high-pressure industry.

The initiative has been welcomed by industry observers as a credible attempt to build pathways rather than promise outcomes. While it does not guarantee roles or instant success, it offers something arguably more valuable: proximity to the real workings of the industry. In an environment where misinformation and unrealistic expectations often shape young aspirants’ perceptions, such exposure can be transformative, grounding ambition in practical understanding.

Beyond skill-building, The OnSet Program also reflects a broader shift in how leading figures in Indian cinema are engaging with responsibility and influence. Rather than limiting impact to personal success or philanthropic gestures, Padukone is leveraging her access to professional spaces to open doors for others. The move suggests a recognition that meaningful change within the industry requires sustained involvement and structural support, not sporadic interventions.

As details around participation and selection continue to emerge, expectations remain high—not because the programme promises overnight transformation, but because it introduces a replicable model of mentorship rooted in access and accountability. If successful, it could encourage similar initiatives across production houses and studios, gradually normalising structured onboarding for new talent.

For Deepika Padukone, The OnSet Program represents an extension of her evolving role within Indian cinema. It underscores a commitment to shaping the ecosystem she operates in, ensuring that the next generation of creative professionals enters an industry that is not only competitive, but also transparent, informed and inclusive. In doing so, the initiative quietly but firmly reframes what legacy can look like in contemporary Indian entertainment—not just in the stories told on screen, but in the opportunities created behind it.