Bollywood icon Rani Mukerji was today awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) by Australia’s La Trobe University at a special ceremony at Federation Square, as part of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026. The honor recognizes her nearly three-decade contribution to Indian cinema and her sustained advocacy for women, children and marginalized communities.
With this, Rani Mukerji becomes only the second Indian film personality after Shah Rukh Khan to receive La Trobe’s highest accolade; The university previously honored Khan in 2019 for philanthropy and cinema and 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. “When I was a little girl, like everyone else, I wanted to make my family and my country proud. I did not know how to do this but I knew if I tried hard enough to be good at something, my parents would be happy. Cinema became the medium to achieve this.”
She outlined the creative compass that has guided her choices: “I have been a risk taker right from the start of my career! I have always chosen films that have made an impact in my heart first!! A story that’s needs to be told! A story that would inspire and empower!” “I have always silently worked to represent the powerful girls and women of India through cinema that has its heart in the right place. I’m equally passionate about the work I do for those in need, those who seek urgent assistance… So, to receive this honor for doing what I feel is right is further motivating me to keep fighting the good fight.”
Elevating the recognition to a larger cultural mandate, she said: “For someone who has always believed that films can change hearts before they change minds, this recognition means more than I can possibly express.” “Every artist carries a responsibility beyond performance. We quietly become ambassadors of our culture.” “If my films have helped even one person understand India and its women a little better… If they have encouraged dialogue… If they have created empathy… Then I feel I have fulfilled a responsibility far greater than simply being an actor.”
La Trobe University Chancellor The Honorable John Brumby AO said: “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.”
IFFM Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange added that the honor celebrates both artistic excellence and the power of storytelling to build bridges between nations.
The honorary degree was presented at a special ceremony on 14 August at Federation Square in Melbourne during IFFM 2026, which runs from 13 to 23 August. Through films such as Black, No One Killed Jessica, Hichki, the Mardaani franchise and Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, Mukerji has highlighted issues including women’s rights, gender justice, disability inclusion and social change.
Accepting the honour, Mukerji dedicated the recognition to India and to audiences worldwide: “I proudly accept this honor not only as Rani Mukerji, but also as an Indian who is proud to see her culture, her cinema being celebrated here in Australia. I accept it on behalf of every Indian artist who has believed that 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 honor with immense gratitude, profound humility and tremendous pride.”
