Rani Mukerji Honoured with Honorary Doctorate by La Trobe University; What the Actress Said?
Melbourne: Renowned Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) by Australia's La Trobe University in recognition of her remarkable contribution to Indian cinema over nearly three decades and her sustained work for women, children, and underprivileged communities.
Rani received this honour on August 14 during a special ceremony held at Federation Square in Melbourne as part of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). With this honour, Rani Mukerji becomes the second Indian film personality, after Shah Rukh Khan, to receive an honorary doctorate from La Trobe University. The university had previously honoured Shah Rukh Khan in 2019 for his philanthropic work and contributions to Indian cinema.
'Cinema became the medium to fulfill my dream'
Accepting the honour, Rani Mukerji said, "Receiving an honorary doctorate from La Trobe University is one of the most humbling and emotional moments of my life. When I was a little girl, like everyone else, I too dreamt of making my family and my country proud. I didn't know how it would happen, but I knew that if I strove to excel in something with all my heart, my parents would be happy. Cinema became the medium to fulfill that dream."
Speaking about taking risks and her choice of films throughout her career, Rani said, "I have been a risk-taker right from the beginning of my career. I have always chosen films that resonated with my heart first—stories that needed to be told, stories that could inspire and empower people."
'I have always endeavoured to portray empowered girls and women of India'
She added, "I have always endeavoured to quietly portray empowered girls and women of India through films that come from the right place in the heart. I am equally passionate about the work I do for those in need and for those seeking urgent assistance." Speaking on the power of cinema and the responsibility of artists, Rani said, "I have always believed that films can touch people's hearts before they change their minds. That is why this honor means far more to me than words can express."
She added, "An artist's responsibility extends beyond mere performance or acting; we quietly become ambassadors of our culture."
La Trobe University Chancellor John Brumby stated, "Rani Mukerji's remarkable work has transcended the boundaries of entertainment, sparking conversations on critical issues such as social justice, equality, and inclusion. Her unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes makes her an exceptionally deserving recipient of this honorary doctorate."
IFFM Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange remarked that this honor celebrates not only Rani's artistic excellence but also the power of storytelling to bridge nations and cultures.
Rani has effectively highlighted significant issues through films
Through films such as Black, Hum Tum, Yuva, Bunty Aur Babli, No One Killed Jessica, Hichki, the Mardaani franchise, and Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, Rani Mukerji has effectively highlighted significant issues like women's rights, gender justice, inclusion for the differently-abled, and social change.
Dedicating the honor to audiences in India and across the globe, Rani said, "I accept this honor with pride—not just as Rani Mukerji, but as an Indian who feels proud to see our culture and cinema celebrated in Australia. I accept this honor on behalf of all Indian artists who have always believed that stories can build friendships between nations."
She concluded, "This doctorate is yet another chapter in that story. Thanks to all of you, I have lived a truly blessed life. I will carry this honor with immense gratitude, deep humility, and pride."