Bollywood actor Rani Mukerji added a major achievement to her career on August 14, 2026. She received an Honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) from La Trobe University in Australia. The ceremony took place at Federation Square in Melbourne as part of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026.
The actor became emotional during the event. She broke down in tears while accepting the honor. Videos of her emotional moment quickly spread across social media.
With this recognition, Rani Mukerji became the second Indian film personality to receive an honorary doctorate from La Trobe University. Shah Rukh Khan received the same honor from the university in 2019.
Emotional Ceremony at Federation Square
The honorary degree was presented during a special ceremony at The Edge in Melbourne. Rani Mukerji wore a graduation robe and cap as she received the degree.
The actor was visibly moved when her achievements were recounted on stage. She wiped away her tears and later smiled as she accepted the honor. A video of the moment shared by a paparazzo went viral online.
Her daughter Adira Chopra joined the event through a video call. Rani Mukerji dedicated the honor to her daughter during her speech.
“Every achievement that we have is because of our family and I would like to dedicate this award to all the mothers and all the children. Adira, I love you.”
Recognition for Three Decades in Cinema
La Trobe University awarded the honorary doctorate to Rani Mukerji for her nearly three-decade contribution to Indian cinema. The university also recognized her humanitarian work and social advocacy.
Rani Mukerji started her film career as a teenager. She has appeared in many successful films across different genres. Some of her most acclaimed works include Black, No One Killed Jessica, Hichki, the Mardaani franchise, and Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway.
Her films have addressed important social issues. These include gender-based violence, access to justice, disability inclusion, and women’s rights. The university said her work has gone beyond entertainment to spark conversations around social justice, equality, and inclusion.
“Rani Mukerji is an artist of extraordinary influence whose work has consistently combined creative excellence with meaningful social impact.” – La Trobe University Chancellor The Hon John Brumby AO
Actor Breaks Down During Acceptance Speech
Rani Mukerji struggled to hold back tears as she received the degree. She described the moment as one of the most emotional and meaningful moments of her career and life.
“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.”
She spoke about her journey in the film industry and how she never expected such recognition.
“When I entered the film industry as a teenager, I had absolutely no roadmap. I was simply trying to do my job in the best way possible. I wasn’t trying to make history or become a symbol.”
The actor reflected on the characters she has played over the years. She said these roles represented real women whose voices deserved to be heard.
“Looking back at my career, I feel incredibly grateful that I have had the opportunity to portray women who are strong yet vulnerable, flawed yet inspiring, determined and unapologetically themselves.”
Humanitarian Work Beyond Cinema
La Trobe University recognized Rani Mukerji for her humanitarian initiatives beyond acting. Since 2007, she has supported pediatric and neonatal healthcare at Holy Family Hospital in Mumbai.
Her philanthropic work includes specialized intensive care services for critically ill children and newborns. She has also supported initiatives focused on education, food security, and community development.
Rani Mukerji has worked with organizations including Child Rights and You (CRY), the Indian Stroke Association, and the Cancer Patients Aid Association.
“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.”
Second Indian Film Personality to Receive Honor
Shah Rukh Khan received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from La Trobe University in 2019. The university also announced a PhD scholarship in his name.
Rani Mukerji now joins him in this exclusive group. She is the second Indian film personality to receive this honor from the Australian university.
“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.”
The actor spoke about the responsibility that comes with being an artist. She said artists quietly become ambassadors of their 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.”
Special Citation for Acting Excellence at IFFM
Rani Mukerji also received a special citation for excellence in acting from the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. The citation recognized her three-decade career and the international reach of her work.
The IFFM 2026 runs from August 13 to 23 in Melbourne. The festival showcases Indian films and talent to an international audience.
Rani Mukerji expressed her gratitude to audiences who have embraced her work over the years.
“When I entered the Indian film industry as a young girl, I never imagined that one day my films and the characters that I have been fortunate enough to play, would take me across oceans and that people in a beautiful country like Australia would embrace me with so much warmth.”
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Recent Work and Upcoming Projects
Rani Mukerji won her first Best Actress National Film Award for her performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway at the 71st National Film Awards. She also starred in Mardaani 3 earlier this year.
She will next appear in Shah Rukh Khan‘s film King. The film is directed by Siddharth Anand and also features Deepika Padukone, Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Arshad Warsi, Saurabh Shukla, and Raghav Juyal. King is scheduled to release in theaters on December 24, 2026.
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