14 August,2026 02:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rani Mukerji receives La Trobe Honorary Doctor of Letters degree. Pic via Instagram
As the 17th edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026 kicked off, actress Rani Mukerji was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by Australia's La Trobe University on the festival's opening day. She was honoured for her three decades of work in Indian cinema and her contributions off-screen. Notably, before Rani, Shah Rukh Khan was awarded the doctorate degree back in 2019. Additionally, a scholarship was also named after him. While receiving the degree, Rani was seen getting emotional on stage.
In a video shared by paparazzo Viral Bhayani, Rani was seen getting emotional and fighting back tears as she received the honorary Doctor of Letters degree from La Trobe University. She was seen wiping away her tears of joy while smiling.
Sharing her happiness about receiving the honorary doctorate, Rani, in a statement said, wrote, "Receiving this honorary doctorate from La Trobe University is one of the most humbling moments of my life. For someone who has always believed that films can change hearts before they change minds, this recognition means more than I can possibly express."
She further added, "I have always chosen films that have made an impact in my heart first. A story that 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."
Rani then concluded, "Every artist carries a responsibility beyond performance. We quietly become ambassadors of our culture."
IFFM also shared pictures from the ceremony on their official Instagram handle and wrote, "A moment that celebrates an extraordinary journey. Rani Mukerji was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Letters by La Trobe University at Melbourne's iconic Federation Square, recognising her remarkable three decade journey in Indian cinema and her contribution to humanitarian causes. Three decades of unforgettable characters, powerful performances and a legacy that continues to inspire. A truly special honour for an extraordinary artist."
Additionally, Rani was also separately honoured with a special citation for acting excellence for three decades of memorable roles and international reach by the IFFM.
In her decades long career, Rani has delivered some memorable films including Black, Hum Tum, Yuva, Bunty Aur Babli, No One Killed Jessica, the Mardaani franchise, Hichki and, most recently, Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Interestingly, Rani also won the National Award for Best Actress for her performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway last year.
