Acclaimed Bollywood actor Rani Mukerji will be conferred an Honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) by La Trobe University in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema and her longstanding humanitarian work.
Expressing her gratitude, Mukerji said in a statement that she was deeply humbled by the recognition. “I am deeply humbled to receive this Honorary Doctor of Letters from La Trobe University,” she added.
“Cinema has been the greatest teacher in my life’s journey and I have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire empathy, spark conversations and bring about positive change.
The honour recognises Mukerji’s nearly three-decade career as one of India’s most celebrated actors, as well as her commitment to social causes supporting women, children and marginalised communities.
With memorable performances in films including Black, No One Killed Jessica, Hichki, the Mardaani franchise and Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, Mukerji has consistently championed stories that have brought conversations around women’s rights, gender justice, disability inclusion and social change into mainstream Indian cinema.
Beyond her work on screen, she has supported humanitarian initiatives focused on children’s healthcare, education and community development, reflecting her commitment to creating meaningful social impact.
Mukerji said that she is “grateful to La Trobe University and to IFFM for this incredible recognition.”
“I have been fortunate to have been able to do so many inspiring movies that have allowed me to tell stories of resilience, passion and the undying courage of human beings to rise against all odds. Human stories have always moved me and I’m grateful that I have lived so many lives because of cinema.”
She has dedicate this special honour from Australia and IFFM to India “and to everyone around the world whose love has empowered me to be an actor and made me live such a full life.”
The honorary degree will be presented at a special ceremony on 14 August 2026 at Federation Square during the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), which will run from 13 to 23 August.
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne has established itself as one of the world’s leading celebrations of Indian cinema, bringing together filmmakers, actors and audiences while strengthening cultural ties between India and Australia.
The 2026 edition is expected to feature an extensive program of film screenings, premieres, industry conversations and special events, celebrating the diversity and global influence of Indian cinema.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
