The Winning Frame

Rathod (age 29) is an independent filmmaker and an award-winning photographer based in Mumbai. He enjoys working within the mediums of film and photography and was awarded 2nd place in the 2016 India National Award.

The judges of the 2017 Sony World Photography Awards announced the photograph “Reckless Kids” by Nikunj Rathod, as the winner of India National Award. Rathod's winning image "Reckless Kids" is an action filled image of kids playing captured on at the Mahim bay in Mumbai.

Talking about his winning image, Rathod says, "This image was taken in March 2016 at Mahim bay which is in Mumbai. I was wandering around that area and was waiting for the evening to come to take some silhouette photographs.

After a while, some noise near by caught my attention. The noise was quite chaotic. From a distance, I saw a group of kids playing around with some junk yard cars, screaming, throwing bottles at each other, fighting. It's only when I went closer that I realised how reckless they were!"

Commenting about his success, Rathod continues, "Last year's achievements in the Sony World Photography Awards [2nd place India National Award and shortlisted in Open People category] not only opened up new opportunities but has also put me on the map of the photographic world.

This year's achievement came like an unexpected surprise!! I am grateful to World Photography Organisation and Sony for believing in my work and giving me such life changing experiences! "

The runners up positions for India National Award were given to:
• 2nd place: Avishek Das for the image "The Faith of Life "
• 3rd Place: Prabha Jayesh for the image "Untitled"

Rathod’s winning work will be shown alongside the awards’ other winning and shortlisted images at the Sony World Photography Awards and Martin Parr – 2017 Exhibition in London from April 21-May 7 and published in the annual winners’ book.