Deepika Padukone turned 40 on January 5, and before flying to the United States to celebrate with close friends and family, she chose to mark the moment in Mumbai with the people who have stood by her for years, her fans.

The Bollywood diva hosted a private fan meet in the city, inviting over 50 fans from different parts of India. 

According to reports, her team arranged their travel, including return flights and airport transfers. 

As fans arrived, they were welcomed with personalised baskets placed in their cars. These included snacks, coconut water and a note titled A Day Of Gratitude With Deepika Padukone, which read: “Thank you for taking the time and making the journey today. I look forward to seeing you soon!”

The gathering was kept low-key and warm. There was a large buffet with a mix of food options, mocktails instead of alcohol, and décor in shades of red, maroon and gold. 

A Christmas tree stood in one corner, and a wall was set up where fans wrote handwritten notes for Deepika.

Each attendee received a gift hamper, reportedly weighing five kilos and worth around Rs 15,000, filled with wellness and home products, including items from the Chhapaak actor’s skincare brand 82°E. 

The Om Shanti Om star made it a point to meet every fan, read their notes, and speak to them one-on-one also clicked photos with them. 

She also spoke openly about motherhood and her mental health journey. In videos shared online, fans can be seen singing Ankhon Mein Teri as she cut her birthday cake.

On her special day, Deepika also announced 'The OnSet Program', a new initiative to support creative professionals. “I’ve been feeling very strongly about identifying incredible creative talent… and giving them a platform,” she said.

On the work front, she is gearing up for films with Allu Arjun and Atlee, and King, alongside Shah Rukh Khan and others.