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Rani Mukerji has been on a roll! After winning her first-ever Best Actress National Film Award at the 71st National Film Awards for her powerful performance
in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, she starred in Mardaani 3 earlier this year. While it performed moderately well at the box office, her fierce act as Shivani Shivaji Roy garnered praise. And now, Rani has added another feather to her cap. She has received an Honorary Doctorate from La Trobe University in Australia for her contribution to Indian cinema. Her daughter, Adira Chopra, also joined the event virtually, via a video call. The Hum Tum actress got emotional as she dedicated the honour to her baby girl.
Rani Mukerji Receives Honorary Doctorate From La Trobe University
Reacting to the honour, Rani Mukerji said in a statement, "Some moments make you stop and take a moment to truly appreciate the journey. Today is one of them. Receiving an Honorary Doctorate from La Trobe University, after nearly three decades in cinema, is a deeply humbling honour. Every character, every story and every experience has shaped the person and actor I am today."
The actress also expressed her gratitude to audiences for embracing her work over the years and allowing her films to become part of their homes, hearts and memories. She said that she accepted the honour with immense gratitude and reaffirmed her faith in the power of storytelling.
Photos from the event showed Rani dressed in a graduation robe and cap.
Rani Mukerji Gets Emotional, Tells Daughter Adira 'I Love You'
The special ceremony took place at Melbourne's Federation Square, as part of an international film festival.
An emotional video showed Rani getting visibly moved during her speech. Accepting the honour with pride, she said, "Every achievement that we have is because of our family and I would like to dedicate this award to all the mothers and all the children. Adira, I love you."
Work Front
On the work front, Rani will be next seen in Shah Rukh Khan's much-awaited actioner King. The film, which is set to relaunch his daughter Suhana Khan, also features Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Raghav Juyal and Abhay Verma in key roles.
It is slated to release in theatres on Christmas 2026 and is one of the most awaited films of the year. Reportedly, the Siddharth Anand directorial is inspired by 1994 French classic Leon: The Professional.
