Melbourne, August 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Bollywood actor Rani Mukerji has been conferred an Honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) by Australia’s La Trobe University in recognition of her nearly three-decade contribution to Indian cinema and her advocacy for women, children and marginalised communities.
The honorary doctorate was presented to Mukerji at a special ceremony at Federation Square in Melbourne on August 14, as part of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026, which is being held from August 13 to 23.
With the honour, Mukerji becomes the second Indian film personality after Shah Rukh Khan to receive La Trobe University’s highest accolade. Khan was honoured by the university in 2019 for his contributions to cinema and philanthropy, and the institution subsequently announced a PhD scholarship in his name.
“Receiving this honorary doctorate from La Trobe University is one of the most humbling moments of my life,” Mukerji said.
Recalling her early aspirations, she said cinema became the medium through which she sought to make her family and country proud.
Mukerji said she had been a risk-taker throughout her career and consistently chose stories that moved her and addressed issues she believed needed to be discussed.
“I have always silently worked to represent the powerful girls and women of India through cinema that has its heart in the right place,” she said, while also highlighting her commitment to helping people in need.
She described the recognition as motivation to continue her work, saying she had always believed that films could change hearts before changing minds.
“Every artist carries a responsibility beyond performance. We quietly become ambassadors of our culture,” Mukerji said.
She added that if her films had helped audiences understand India and its women better, encouraged dialogue or created empathy, she considered that a responsibility fulfilled beyond simply being an actor.
La Trobe University Chancellor The Honourable John Brumby AO praised Mukerji’s body of work and humanitarian commitment.
“Rani Mukerji’s remarkable body of work has transcended entertainment to spark important conversations around social justice, equality and inclusion. Her unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes makes her an exceptional recipient of this honorary doctorate,” he said.
IFFM Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said the honour recognised both Mukerji’s artistic achievements and storytelling’s ability to build bridges between countries.
Mukerji’s filmography includes Black, No One Killed Jessica, Hichki, the Mardaani franchise and Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, films that have addressed subjects including women’s rights, gender justice, disability inclusion and social change.
Accepting the honour, Mukerji dedicated it to India and audiences around the world.
“I proudly accept this honour not only as Rani Mukerji, but also as an Indian who is proud to see her culture, her cinema being celebrated here in Australia,” she said.
She added that she accepted the recognition on behalf of Indian artists who believe stories can build friendships between nations.
“This doctorate becomes another chapter in that story. I have lived a blessed life thanks to you all. I will carry this honour with immense gratitude, profound humility and tremendous pride,” Mukerji said.
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