The actress said she had taken risks throughout her career and often chosen projects based on stories that moved her personally.

“I have always chosen films that have made an impact in my heart first,” she said, adding that she wanted to be part of stories that needed to be told and could inspire and empower audiences.

Mukerji said she had tried through her work to portray strong women and girls in India while also supporting people in need.

She said the recognition strengthened her belief that films can influence people by creating empathy and encouraging conversations.

“For someone who has always believed that films can change hearts before they change minds, this recognition means more than I can possibly express,” she said.

Mukerji also described artists as cultural ambassadors, saying their work could help audiences understand other countries and communities.

She dedicated the honour to India and audiences around the world, saying she was proud to see Indian cinema being celebrated in Australia.

“I accept it on behalf of every Indian artist who has believed that stories can build friendships between nations,” she said.

La Trobe University Chancellor John Brumby said Mukerji’s work had gone beyond entertainment and helped bring issues such as social justice, equality and inclusion into public discussion.

He also praised her commitment to humanitarian causes, calling her an outstanding recipient of the honorary doctorate.

The university previously honoured Shah Rukh Khan with an honorary doctorate in 2019 for his contribution to cinema and philanthropy. It also established a PhD scholarship in his name.

Mukerji’s latest honour adds another international recognition to a career spanning almost 30 years in Indian cinema.