Sonam Kapoor wishes Deepika Padukone on her 40th birthday after years of cold war

deepika and sonam

• Deepika Padukone turns 40, receives warm birthday wishes from Sonam Kapoor
• Sonam's public birthday wish sparks talk of softened ties between the actresses
• Deepika announces a creative initiative to support emerging talent

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Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone celebrated her milestone 40th birthday on January 5, 2026, with an outpouring of love and greetings from across the film fraternity — but one message stood out for fans: a birthday wish from Sonam Kapoor. The gesture caught attention not just for its warmth, but for the nuanced history between the two actresses that preceded it.

Sonam took to Instagram Stories to post a simple yet striking throwback picture of herself with Deepika, captioning it, “Happy Birthday Deepika.”

Deepika and Sonam entered the industry around the same time and were often compared in the early days of their careers — for films, fashion and brand endorsements. Their shared connection to actor Ranbir Kapoor, whom both were linked to at different points, added fuel to the narrative. The actresses’ dynamics became a talking point especially after Deepika attended one of Ranbir’s birthday parties that Sonam was reportedly not invited to, sparking further media speculation about tension between them.

The dynamic took on a more public edge after an appearance on Koffee With Karan, where playful barbs blended with deeper competitive undercurrents. In subsequent interactions, Sonam made remarks that were interpreted by some critics as indirect digs at Deepika’s public image and career trajectory. Over time, these exchanges helped create a perception of a cold-war-style standoff between the two leading actresses.

In that context, Sonam’s birthday message — simple, cordial and visibly public — was seen as a notable shift by fans and industry watchers alike, prompting discussion online about whether past disagreements have softened.

Also read: Deepika Padukone celebrates 40th birthday with fan meet in Mumbai, treats them with Chinese, Mexican food, gift hampers and more

Amid the wishes, Deepika also announced a creative initiative geared toward supporting emerging talent, showing she’s marking this milestone with both celebrations and forward-looking projects.