Archive · 14 Aug 2026
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.
- When
- August 14, during the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
- Where
- Federation Square, Melbourne, Australia.
- Why
- In recognition of her three-decade contribution to Indian cinema, humanitarian work, and advocacy for women, children and marginalized communities.
- 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
