Vikash Nowlakha

Vikash Nowlakha is an Indian cinematographer and filmmaker who works in Hindi films. He has worked as a director of photography for feature films like Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year, Laapataa Ladies (2024), Dhurandhar (2025) and its sequel Dhurandhar: The Revenge (2026). In addition to his work in films, he has also shot TV commercials worldwide for the New York Knicks, Nike Jordan, Maserati, BMW, Fevicol and Ambuja Cements and various other International brands, which have garnered several awards and accolades.

Early life Vikash Nowlakha graduated in Philosophy from the University of Tasmania (1997). In 2001, he enrolled at the New York Film Academy to study cinematography.

Nowlakha gained wider recognition in 2009 with the film Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year, directed by Shimit Amin.

After a period largely focused on advertising, he returned to major long-form projects with the documentary The Year Earth Changed (2021), narrated by David Attenborough. In 2022, he worked on the BBC series The Green Planet, the Hindi web series Bloody Brothers, and the fantasy film Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva, directed by Ayan Mukerji.

In 2024, he served as director of photography for Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao. For his work on the film, he received the Best Cinematography award at the 2025 Zee Cine Awards and a nomination at the 70th Filmfare Awards. The film was selected as the Indian entry for the Best International Feature Film for the 97th Academy Awards.

Filmography

Year Film Language Notes Ref. 2007 Dus KahaniyaanHindi 2008 Woodstock Villa 2009 Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year 2021 The Year Earth ChangedEnglishDocumentary2022 The Green Planet Television seriesBloody BrothersHindiWeb series Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva 2024 Laapataa Ladies 2025 Dhurandhar 2026 Dhurandhar: The Revenge

Awards and nominations Year Award Category Result FilmRef.20252025 Zee Cine AwardsBest CinematographyLaapataa Ladies 70th Filmfare Awards Best Cinematography