Deepika Padukone attended the 2025 WAVES Summit at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, where she was introduced by Karan Johar as a global superstar. The summit, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, brought together key voices from the media and entertainment industry. Alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone spoke at the event, which focused on India's entertainment industry and its global impact. Their panel titled, “The Journey: From Outsider To Ruler” became the momentous sight as the ultimate duo of Bollywood’s royalty on and off screen shared their insights. 

During her appearance, Deepika wore a traditional beige salwar suit with intricate cutwork on the trousers and a sheer dupatta. However, she changed into another graceful black attire for the panel discussion. 

At the first ever Waves Summit 2025, Karan Johar hosted the panel with Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone and addressed the gathering with a heartfelt introduction for the global superstar. “The athlete who cross borders crossed oceans, and then beautifully crossed into history. A global superstar who stands today as a symbol of beauty, strength, eternal, and timeless grace.”

The actress addressed several topics from stardom to vulnerabilities, during her session with SRK, The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler and became the highest of Day 1 - the queen & king of Indian Cinema. Deepika, who has recently embraced motherhood, reflected on the new chapter of her life and talked about becoming a mother.