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The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is proud to announce that acclaimed actor and humanitarian Rani Mukerji will probably be conferred the distinguished Honorary Doctor of Letters by La Trobe University throughout the 2026 edition of the festival.
Rani Mukerji to receive Honorary Doctor of Letters from La Trobe University at IFFM 2026
The honorary degree will probably be presented at a special ceremony on August 14, 2026, at Federation Square in Melbourne, as a part of the festival celebrations. The popularity honours Rani Mukerji’s extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema, along together with her longstanding commitment to social causes supporting women, children and marginalised communities.
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, which can happen from 13 to 23 August 2026, has, over time, established itself as one in every of the world’s leading celebrations of Indian cinema. Bringing together a number of the finest voices from the Indian film industry, the festival continues to strengthen cultural ties between India and Australia while celebrating stories and artists which have left an enduring impact on audiences the world over.
With a profession spanning nearly three a long time, Rani Mukerji stays one in every of India’s most respected and completed actors. Through powerful performances in movies similar to Black, No One Killed Jessica, Hichki, the Mardaani franchise and Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, she has consistently championed stories which have brought conversations around women’s rights, gender justice, disability inclusion and social change into mainstream cinema.
Beyond her work on screen, Rani has supported humanitarian initiatives focused on children’s healthcare, education and community development, a mirrored image of her commitment to meaningful social impact.
Expressing her gratitude, Rani Mukerji said, “I’m deeply humbled to receive this Honorary Doctor of Letters from La Trobe University. Cinema has been the best teacher in my life’s journey, and I actually have at all times believed in the facility of storytelling to encourage empathy, spark conversations and produce about positive change. To receive this honour throughout the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, which has consistently celebrated Indian cinema on a world stage, makes it much more special. I’m grateful to La Trobe University and to IFFM for this incredible recognition. I actually have been fortunate to have been capable of achieve this many inspiring movies which have allowed me to inform stories of resilience, passion and undying courage of human beings to rise against all odds. Human stories have at all times moved me, and I’m grateful that I actually have lived so many lives due to cinema. I dedicate this special honour from Australia and IFFM to my motherland India and to everyone world wide whose love has empowered me to be an actor and made me live such a full life.”
La Trobe University Chancellor, The Hon John Brumby AO, said, “Rani Mukerji’s remarkable body of labor has transcended entertainment to spark necessary conversations around social justice, equality and inclusion. Her enduring impact on cinema, coupled together with her unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes, makes her an exceptional recipient of this honorary doctorate. We’re delighted to recognise her achievements and welcome her into the La Trobe University community.”
Mitu Bhowmick Lange, Festival Director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, said, “The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne has at all times celebrated artists whose work has shaped Indian cinema and inspired audiences the world over. Rani Mukerji is one in every of the best actors of her generation, someone whose performances have consistently combined artistic excellence with powerful storytelling. We’re honoured that this recognition from La Trobe University will probably be presented during IFFM. It’s a proud moment not just for the festival but in addition for everybody who has admired Rani’s remarkable contribution to Indian cinema over time.”
The 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne guarantees one other landmark edition celebrating the easiest of Indian cinema through film screenings, premieres, conversations and special events, bringing together filmmakers, artists and audiences from the world over.
Also Read: Rani Mukerji recalls childhood meet with Aamir Khan as a fan; says, “My heart broke”
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