2 weeks ago
Rani Mukerji tearfully receives honorary doctorate from La Trobe University
Rani Mukerji is a very famous actress from India who acts in Hindi movies.
She has been making movies for almost thirty years.
Something very special happened to her in Australia — a university called La Trobe University gave her an honorary doctorate.
A doctorate is one of the highest honors a university can give, and being 'honorary' means she did not have to study for it — she earned it through her amazing work.
The ceremony happened at Federation Square in Melbourne during a movie festival called the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
Rani was so happy and proud that she cried during the ceremony.
The university gave her this big honor because she made wonderful, important movies and because she has helped women, children, and people who need support.
She is only the second Indian movie star to receive this honor from La Trobe University; the first was Shah Rukh Khan.
Rani said she accepts the award with gratitude, humility, and pride for every Indian artist.
Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Letters by Australia's La Trobe University on August 14.
The ceremony took place at Federation Square in Melbourne during the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).
Mukerji broke down in tears on stage as her nearly three-decade career achievements were recounted, and wiped away her tears alongside John Brumby.
The university recognized her contribution to Indian cinema, humanitarian work, and advocacy for women, children and marginalized communities.
She is the second Indian film personality, after Shah Rukh Khan, to receive an Honorary Doctor of Letters from La Trobe University.
- Who
- Rani Mukerji, acclaimed Indian actress and humanitarian, honored by La Trobe University; the award was presented by Chancellor The Hon John Brumby AO.
- What
- Received an Honorary Doctor of Letters (honoris causa), breaking down in tears during the ceremony.
- Where
- Federation Square, Melbourne, Australia.
- When
- August 14, during the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
- Why
- In recognition of her three-decade contribution to Indian cinema, humanitarian work, and advocacy for women, children and marginalized communities.
Key facts
- Honor
- Honorary Doctor of Letters (honoris causa)
- University
- La Trobe University, Australia
- Date
- August 14
- Location
- Federation Square, Melbourne
- Event
- 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM)
- Presented by
- Chancellor The Hon John Brumby AO
- Distinction
- Second Indian film personality after Shah Rukh Khan to receive this honor from La Trobe University
- Recognition basis
- Three-decade cinematic career, humanitarian work, and advocacy for women, children and marginalized communities
Quotes
Mitu Bhowmick Lange
Director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
“Receiving this Honorary Doctorate in Australia from La Trobe University is one of the most emotional and meaningful moments of my career and life. I am deeply humbled by this recognition and accept it with immense gratitude. As an actor, you never begin your journey thinking about honours — you simply hope that the stories you choose and the characters you bring to life will connect with people. To have that journey acknowledged in this extraordinary way is something I will cherish forever.”
theprint.in
“Rani Mukerji has remained one of the most respected voices in Indian cinema because of the integrity, intelligence and humanity she brings to her work. For nearly three decades, she has captivated audiences through performances that are both powerful and deeply relatable, while continuing to champion stories that encourage empathy, resilience and social awareness.”
theprint.in
The Hon John Brumby AO
Chancellor of La Trobe University
“Rani Mukerji is an artist of extraordinary influence whose work has consistently combined creative excellence with meaningful social impact. Through some of Indian cinema’s most acclaimed and socially resonant performances, she has helped elevate important conversations about equality, justice, inclusion and the dignity of women and children, demonstrating the unique power of storytelling to shape culture and inspire change.”
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