Meet the Mother Behind the Viral Deepika Padukone Moment

New Delhi, January 8, 2026: A touch of pure human connection has taken the internet by storm following an intimate meet-and-greet hosted by Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone in Mumbai. On January 4, 2026, just ahead of her 40th birthday, the actress met with a small group of admirers, but it was her interaction with the mother of a long-time fan that left millions emotional. The mother, identified as Sarita Dilip Zad, was seen being welcomed with extraordinary warmth by the actress, a moment that has since been hailed as a masterclass in humility and grace.

The Story of the “Puran Poli” and a Marathi Mother

The viral encounter was brought to light by Sarita’s son, Mayur Zad, a dedicated fan who was invited to the exclusive session for the fourth time. This time, however, he was accompanied by his mother, who was initially skeptical and nervous about meeting such a global icon. According to Mayur’s social media post, his mother had even jokingly accused him of lying about the invitation. As a gesture of love, Sarita had prepared a traditional Maharashtrian Puran Poli with her own hands, which she presented to the actress as a gift.

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A Hand-Held Moment of Genuine Affection

The highlight of the video—and the reason for its viral success—is the moment Deepika noticed Sarita’s nervousness. Instead of a formal greeting, the actress was seen taking Sarita’s hand and softly inviting her to sit right beside her. It was reported that Sarita was moved to tears by the gesture, feeling an immediate sense of comfort and respect. The actress’s genuine gratitude for the homemade food was described by onlookers as a bridge that instantly dissolved the barrier between a “megastar” and a “simple mother.”

Resonating Across the Digital World

The reaction to the footage has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans flooding the comment section to praise Deepika’s grounded nature. Many users remarked that the interaction was particularly poignant as Deepika herself became a mother to her daughter, Dua, in late 2024. It has been argued that her new role in motherhood has added a layer of softness and empathy to her public persona. The viral clip has earned comments ranging from “paying my internet bills just for this” to “two queens in one frame,” solidifying the actress’s reputation for being as graceful off-screen as she is on it.

Celebrating 40 Years of Grace and Humility

As of January 8, 2026, the video continues to be shared as a symbol of authentic celebrity-fan connections. For Sarita Dilip Zad, a simple afternoon in Mumbai turned into an unforgettable memory of being “seen” and appreciated by an artist she admires. The incident serves as a reminder that despite global fame and box-office records, it is often the small, unscripted acts of kindness that define a star’s true legacy. Deepika’s 40th birthday celebrations have thus been marked not by grand parties, but by the quiet, emotional stories of those whose lives she has touched.