Rani Mukerji Cries Receiving Honorary Doctorate From La Trobe University

MUMBAI- Rani Mukerji broke down in tears as she received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Australia’s La Trobe University at a special ceremony in Melbourne.

A video from the ceremony captured the emotional moment as Rani stood on the dais in her academic robes and was formally honored with the doctorate. The presenter took the audience through her career trajectory, highlighting the milestones and performances that have defined her three decades in the film industry.

As her achievements were being recounted, Rani appeared visibly overwhelmed and broke into tears. She was seen trying to compose herself as the honor was presented to her before accepting it with a smile.

The honor was presented to Rani at Federation Square in Melbourne as part of the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.

La Trobe University recognized her contribution to Indian cinema, as well as her humanitarian work and advocacy on social causes concerning women, children and marginalized communities.

Rani became the second Indian film personality after Shah Rukh Khan to receive an Honorary Doctor of Letters from La Trobe University.

Over the years, Rani has moved between mainstream entertainers and performance-driven films, taking on roles that have challenged conventional portrayals of women on screen.

She made her acting debut as a teenager with ‘Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat’ in 1997 and went on to become one of the leading actresses of her generation, with films including ‘Ghulam’, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, ‘Saathiya’, ‘Hum Tum’, ‘Black’, ‘No One Killed Jessica’, ‘Hichki’, the ‘Mardaani’ franchise and ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’. (IANS)