From Fashion to Football: Bhavitha Mandava & Muhammed Riswan Among 25 Instagram Rings 2026 Winners

Two Indian creators have made it to Instagram’s global spotlight. Fashion model Bhavitha Mandava and freestyle footballer Muhammed Riswan have been named among the 25 winners of Instagram Rings 2026, an initiative celebrating individuals who push creative boundaries and build their own identities through their work.

While their creative worlds couldn’t be more different, their recognition highlights how talent, individuality and unconventional journeys can connect with audiences far beyond geographical borders.

Bhavitha Mandava: From an Unpredictable Start to the Global Runway

For Bhavitha Mandava, the journey into international fashion began with an unexpected encounter.

Discovered by fashion designer Matthieu Blazy in a New York subway station, she entered the global modelling industry without prior professional modelling experience. She went on to make history as the first Indian model to open Chanel’s prestigious Métiers d’Art show.

Her journey has been anything but conventional. From studying architecture and design to making her mark on international runways, Bhavitha has built a distinctive presence in the fashion world.

The Reelstars previously explored how Bhavitha Mandava went from being discovered in New York to opening Chanel’s Métiers d’Art show, a milestone that brought her international recognition.

Through Instagram, she offers glimpses into the fashion industry, sharing backstage moments, creative projects and her evolving journey.

Instagram: @bhavithamandava

Muhammed Riswan: Taking Freestyle Football From Kerala to the World

For Muhammed Riswan, football is more than a sport. It’s a form of creative expression.

The Kerala-based freestyle footballer has developed a global digital presence through his skills, combining movement, technique and personal style to create content that resonates with football enthusiasts.

One of his biggest breakthrough moments came when a video of him kicking a football towards a waterfall went viral, attracting hundreds of millions of views.

His videos showcase the possibilities of freestyle football, a discipline built around ball control, tricks and individual expression.

Riswan is part of a growing community bringing football-focused creativity to digital platforms. The Reelstars previously highlighted five Indian creators shaping football content online, reflecting the different ways creators are building audiences around the sport.

Through his content, Riswan has helped bring greater visibility to India’s freestyle football community, demonstrating how a specialised passion can find an international audience.

Instagram: @riswan_freestyle

What Are Instagram Rings Awards?

Introduced in 2025, Instagram Rings is a global recognition programme celebrating creators who take creative risks and bring original perspectives to their work.

Rather than focusing on a particular content category or follower count, the initiative recognises creative expression across disciplines.

In its inaugural year, Indian creator Dolly Singh was among the 25 global recipients. The Reelstars previously covered Dolly Singh’s journey to Instagram’s Rings recognition, including her reflections on creative burnout, authenticity and moving beyond the pressure to chase trends.

For the 2026 edition, Instagram selected another 25 individuals from around the world through a judging panel featuring personalities from fashion, entertainment, sports and the arts.

The panel included Donatella Versace, A$AP Rocky, FINNEAS, filmmaker Chloé Zhao, Instagram head Adam Mosseri and Indian chef Vikas Khanna, among others.

The global winners also include footballer Erling Haaland, comedian Jordan Firstman, musician Little Simz, designer Salehe Bembury and photographer Renell Medrano.

Could India’s Next Big Creator Be Among Future Winners?

Bhavitha Mandava and Muhammed Riswan may come from completely different creative worlds, but their recognition highlights one common thread: originality can open doors beyond traditional industries and geographical boundaries.

From luxury fashion runways to freestyle football, their journeys show that influence isn’t limited to mainstream content categories or follower counts.

As India’s creator landscape continues to evolve, their achievements offer a glimpse into a future where individual talent, niche communities and unconventional creative paths can gain recognition on a global stage.

With Dolly Singh recognised in 2025 and two more Indian creators joining the list in 2026, the question is no longer whether Indian creativity can find global recognition, but which emerging voices might capture the spotlight next?