Two Indian creators bag Instagram’s 2026 Rings awards

MUMBAI: Two Indian creators have stormed Instagram’s 2026 Rings awards, snapping up coveted spots on the platform’s shortlist of 25 global trail-blazers. Indian model Bhavitha Mandava and Kerala freestyle footballer Muhammed Riswan have made the cut, proving that digital clout is no longer the sole preserve of Western influencers.

Mandava (@bhavithamandava), who turned heads after being discovered by creative director Matthieu Blazy, etched her name in fashion history as the first Indian model to open Chanel’s Métiers d’Art show. Posting with a designer’s keen eye and an insider’s access, her sharp perspective has won over haute couture houses and digital audiences alike.

Meanwhile, Riswan (@riswan_freestyle) has been kicking up a storm from the back alleys of Kerala straight onto the global stage. Without big-money talent agencies backing him, his gravity-defying tricks and viral street football clips have put Indian freestyle on the world map, gathering millions of views and major brand partnerships along the way.

The Meta-owned photo app’s 2026 roster is an eclectic mix of pop-culture heavyweights and grassroots disruptors. Manchester City goal-machine Erling Haaland (@erling), comic actor Jordan Firstman (@jtfirstman), mercury-prize winning rapper Little Simz (@littlesimz), footwear designer Salehe Bembury (@salehebembury) and photographer Renell Medrano (@renellmedrano) all made the cut.

Rather than looking purely at follower counts, Instagram selected its 2026 winners based on creative risk-taking and community impact. Each awardee receives a physical ring carved from Kanemara marble, alongside digital badges of honour like a gold-tinted story ring and custom profile colours.

With Indian talent grabbing two of the 25 spots on offer, the country’s creator economy is clearly playing for keeps. Expect both Mandava and Riswan to keep running rings around the competition.