Deepika Padukone has announced the launch of the Padukone School of Badminton (PSB), an initiative aimed at promoting health, discipline, and inspiration through sport. The school is named in honor of her father, Prakash Padukone, one of India’s greatest badminton legends.
Taking to Instagram on June 10, Deepika shared, “As someone who grew up playing badminton, I’ve experienced firsthand how this sport can shape a person—physically, mentally, and emotionally. With PSB, we hope to bring the joy and discipline of badminton to people from all walks of life and inspire a healthier, more focused generation.”
Deepika will serve as the founder of PSB, while her father will mentor and advise the institution. The initiative aims to make badminton more accessible and instill its values in young people across the country.
The 39-year-old actress has often spoken about her early years on the badminton court. Though she later chose a different path—modeling and eventually acting—Deepika credits her sporting background for the discipline and resilience she brings to her career.
In a previous interview, her mother recounted the moment when Deepika decided to follow her heart: “She said, ‘Ma, I don’t enjoy badminton the way Papa wants me to. I want to model and act instead. Just wait and see, I’ll make you proud one day.’”
With PSB, it seems Deepika has come full circle—merging her roots in sport with her platform as a global icon.
