Sometimes, all it takes is one creative idea to change your life. For Muhammed Riswan, a freestyle footballer from Kerala, that moment came when he decided to try something unusual with a football at a waterfall. Little did he know that the video would go on to attract hundreds of millions of views and open doors to international recognition.

Riswan has now added another remarkable achievement to his journey by winning the Instagram Rings Award 2026. He is among 25 creators from across the world selected for the honour and one of only two Indians to make the list this year. The other Indian winner is Chanel model Bhavitha Mandava.

The award recognises creators who push creative boundaries, bring fresh ideas to their platforms and build communities through originality, regardless of their follower count.

From Keralamkundu Waterfall to 600 Million Views

Riswan first shot to fame in November 2023 when he posted a video of himself kicking a football into the Keralamkundu Waterfall in Malappuram, Kerala. The unusual freestyle football trick took social media by storm, crossing 600 million views on Instagram.

What began as a fun activity with friends soon became a viral sensation. Riswan reportedly said he was surprised by the response, revealing that the video had already attracted around two lakh views within just 10 minutes of being posted. The video also earned him a Guinness World Records recognition in January 2024.

Today, Riswan has built a community of approximately 2.7 million followers on Instagram, transforming his passion for football into a global creative journey.

Bhavitha Mandava: From an Unexpected Discovery to the Global Fashion Stage

While Muhammed Riswan made waves with his football skills, the other Indian winner, Bhavitha Mandava, has carved a remarkable path in international fashion. Born in Andhra Pradesh and raised in Hyderabad, she moved to New York for higher studies in Integrated Design and Media.

Her life took an unexpected turn when fashion designer Matthieu Blazy spotted her at a New York subway station. Soon, she made her runway debut for Bottega Veneta and began gaining recognition in the international fashion industry.

In December 2025, Bhavitha created history by becoming the first Indian model to open Chanel's Métiers d'Art show. She has since become a Chanel House Ambassador and appeared on the cover of British Vogue.

Her Instagram presence offers followers a glimpse into the world of international fashion, her modelling journey and the creative experiences behind the glamorous runways. Her inclusion in the Rings Awards celebrates her distinctive perspective and growing influence as a digital creator.

What Makes the Instagram Rings Award Special?

Launched in October 2025, the Instagram Rings programme celebrates 25 creators globally who dare to experiment and express themselves differently.

The winners receive a physical ring featuring a four-leaf clover design carved from Kanemara marble. They also get special Instagram profile customisation options, including the ability to change their profile background colour and a distinctive gold-coloured ring around their Stories.

For Riswan, this recognition is another exciting milestone in a journey that began with a football, a waterfall and an idea.

From a spontaneous trick in Malappuram to international creator recognition, his story proves that extraordinary opportunities can emerge from the most unexpected moments.