Vikash Nowlakha
- Mar 3, 2024
- 2 min read
Based in Mumbai
Vikash Nowlakha, ISC, is a cinematographer whose career spans documentaries, promos, music videos, commercials, and feature films. A graduate in Eastern Philosophy and Environmental Economics from the University of Tasmania, he discovered his passion for cinema as a medium of expression, a way to explore meaning and the human condition.
His interest in visuals first took shape during his stint as a Producer at MTV in the late ’90s, which eventually led him towards cinematography. In 2001, he enrolled in the New York Film Academy’s Filmmaking Workshop, where he trained extensively in shooting silent 16mm films, student projects, and independent films across New York. During this time, he was awarded Best Cinematography for Sergi Pratt’s The Intruder at the Torelló International Film Festival (2002).
Since then, Vikash has built a career spanning documentaries, promos, music videos, commercials, and feature films. Equally at ease working anywhere in the world, he has filmed everything from cars across the remote landscapes of Inner Mongolia to celebrity hip-hop videos in Los Angeles, as well as stories of child soldiers in conflict zones across Central Africa.
At the Good Ads Matter Awards 2025, Vikash Nowlakha served as a jury member in the category of Production Design.
In advertising, his work has been recognised internationally, with campaigns for brands such as Maserati, BMW, Buick, Chevrolet, Yamaha, Honda, Lexus, Škoda, Vespa, Fiat, the New York Knicks, Nike, and Adidas. His projects have also received numerous accolades, including Cannes Lions (Fevicol) and Abbys (Cadbury’s), among others.
Some of his other notable works include Star Sports X-Men’s IPL 2023, Pond’s Oily Warrior, Royal Enfield – Be Reborn, and Tata Safari – Reclaim Your Life, among many others.
His filmography includes Dus Kahaniyaan (2007), Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009), Bloody Brothers (Series, 2022), Brahmāstra Part One: Shiva (2022), Laapataa Ladies (2023), and Dhurander. (2025 & 2026). His documentary work for David Attenborough’s The Green Planet and The Year the Earth Changed has also been widely acclaimed.
Social Media Handle:
Instagram: @vik_now
Website:
Here are Vikash Nowlakha's Top Ad Picks that have inspired him through the years: