Rani Mukerji will receive an Honorary Doctor of Letters from La Trobe University during the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. The honour will be conferred at a special ceremony on August 14, 2026, at Federation Square in Melbourne.
The recognition has been announced as part of the festival’s 2026 programme. It acknowledges Mukerji’s contribution to Indian cinema and her work connected with social causes, including issues affecting women, children and marginalised communities.
Ceremony to be held during IFFM 2026
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2026 is scheduled to run from August 13 to August 23. The festival brings Indian films, filmmakers and actors to Melbourne through screenings, premieres, conversations and special events.
Mukerji’s honorary degree will be presented during the festival celebrations, giving the ceremony a public cultural setting connected to Indian cinema. The festival has also said the honour reflects her work as an actor whose films have often carried social themes.
La Trobe University Chancellor The Hon John Brumby AO said Mukerji’s work had gone beyond entertainment by raising conversations around social justice, equality and inclusion. He said her career in cinema and her humanitarian work made her an exceptional recipient of the honorary doctorate.
Rani Mukerji’s work in socially driven films
Rani Mukerji has worked in Hindi cinema for nearly three decades. Her filmography includes roles in Black, No One Killed Jessica, Hichki, the Mardaani franchise and Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. These films dealt with themes such as disability inclusion, gender justice, women’s rights and resilience in difficult personal or social situations.
Her performance choices have often placed women-led stories at the centre of mainstream films. In No One Killed Jessica, she was part of a story built around a fight for justice. In Hichki, the focus was on a teacher living with Tourette syndrome. The Mardaani films placed her in the role of a police officer confronting crimes against women and children.
The announcement also referred to Mukerji’s support for humanitarian initiatives. These include work connected with children’s healthcare, education and community development.
Rani Mukerji reacts to the honour
Reacting to the announcement, Mukerji said she was “deeply humbled” to receive the Honorary Doctor of Letters from La Trobe University. She described cinema as “the greatest teacher” in her life and said storytelling can inspire empathy, start conversations and encourage positive change.
She also said receiving the honour during the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne made it more special because the festival has celebrated Indian cinema on a global stage. Mukerji thanked La Trobe University and IFFM for the recognition.
In her statement, she said she had been fortunate to work in films that allowed her to tell stories of resilience and courage. She dedicated the honour from Australia and IFFM to India and to audiences around the world whose support, she said, had empowered her as an actor.
Festival director calls it a proud moment
Mitu Bhowmick Lange, Festival Director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, said the festival has always celebrated artists whose work has shaped Indian cinema and reached audiences around the world. She called Mukerji one of the finest actors of her generation and said her performances have combined strong craft with meaningful storytelling.
Lange said it was an honour that the recognition from La Trobe University would be presented during IFFM. She added that the occasion was a proud moment for the festival and for those who have followed Mukerji’s contribution to Indian cinema over the years.
The 2026 edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will continue through August 23, with film screenings, premieres, conversations and special events involving artists and audiences from different parts of the world.
Source: Bollywood Hungama.