Indian cinema star Rani Mukerji has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by Australia's La Trobe University, becoming the second Indian film personality to receive this honour after Shah Rukh Khan.
Rani Mukerji has received an Honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) from La Trobe University in a ceremony held at Federation Square during the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2026. The award recognises her nearly three-decade career in Indian cinema and her broader contributions to culture and social causes. She follows Shah Rukh Khan, who received the same honour from the university in 2019.
In her acceptance speech, Mukerji reflected on her approach to filmmaking and its cultural significance. She described herself as a risk-taker who has consistently selected films that held personal meaning and the potential to inspire audiences. The actress emphasised her deliberate efforts to portray strong female characters and Indian women through cinema, framing her work as part of a larger responsibility to represent her nation positively.
Mukerji articulated a philosophy that cinema can influence public understanding before shaping attitudes, describing artists as informal cultural ambassadors. She stated that if her films had fostered greater understanding of India and its women, encouraged dialogue, or created empathy among viewers, she would consider her broader responsibility fulfilled. She dedicated the honour to India and global audiences, expressing pride in seeing Indian culture celebrated in Australia.
La Trobe University Chancellor John Brumby noted that Mukerji's work extended beyond entertainment to address important social issues including justice, equality, and inclusion. Her humanitarian efforts further strengthened her candidacy for the honour. The university previously established a PhD scholarship in Shah Rukh Khan's name following his recognition.
