Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Rani Mukerji emotional as La Trobe University awards honorary doctorate
Rani Mukerji is a famous movie actress from India.
She received a very special award from a university in Australia.
The award is called an honorary doctorate.
It is given to people who do amazing things in their work or their community.
Rani got it because she made wonderful movies and helped women and people who are often forgotten.
She felt so happy that she cried a little at the ceremony.
The ceremony happened in a big public square called Federation Square in Melbourne.
Only one other Bollywood actor, Shah Rukh Khan, got this same award before her.
Rani said she was very thankful and dedicated the award to Indian artists.
She started acting in the year 1997 and has been a big star ever since.
Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji received an Honorary Doctorate from Australia's La Trobe University.
The honor recognized her contribution to Indian cinema, humanitarian work, and advocacy for women and marginalized communities.
She became emotional and wiped tears during the special graduation ceremony at Federation Square, Melbourne.
She is the second Bollywood actor to receive an Honorary Doctor of Letters from La Trobe, after Shah Rukh Khan.
The degree was presented as part of the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) celebrations.
- Who
- Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji and Australia's La Trobe University.
- What
- Rani Mukerji received an Honorary Doctorate for her contribution to Indian cinema, humanitarian work, and advocacy for women and marginalized communities.
- When
- During the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) celebrations.
- Where
- Federation Square, Melbourne, Australia.
- Why
- For her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema as well as her philanthropy and humanitarian work.
- Honor
- Honorary Doctorate (Doctor of Letters)
- Awarding institution
- La Trobe University, Australia
- Ceremony location
- Federation Square, Melbourne
- Occasion
- 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM)
- Recognized for
- Contribution to Indian cinema, philanthropy, advocacy for women and marginalized communities
- Previous Bollywood recipient
- Shah Rukh Khan
- Debut film and year
- Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat (1997)