Who is Ujjwal Nikam? All You Need to Know About the Prosecutor Behind Rajkummar Rao’s ‘Prahaar’ Film; Check Nikam’s Age, Career, Family, Net Worth, Fees, Famous Cases, 26/11 Trial, Controversy & More

Few Indian attorneys have achieved recognition on par with that of Ujjwal Nikam when it comes to criminal cases involving celebrities. Having been a prosecutor for the accused in the 1993 serial blasts of Bombay to appearing as counsel for the state in the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai, Nikam has been involved in many cases that made headlines. 

Today, his career is gaining the attention of many due to the upcoming Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story with the protagonist being played by Rajkummar Rao. This movie is scheduled for theatrical release on 16 October 2026 and brings into limelight the courtroom drama, evidences and controversies associated with one of India’s most famous special public prosecutors.

Who is Ujjwal Nikam?

Ujjwal Deorao Nikam was born on 30 March 1953 in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. He was a criminal lawyer who gained prominence in handling cases related to terrorism, murder, sexual assault and other crimes. 

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His notable work includes handling the 1993 Bombay blasts case and prosecuting Ajmal Kasab who was the only survivor from the November 2008 attacks in Mumbai. His work in the court room led to his being awarded the Padma Shri in 2016, one of the biggest awards given to civilians in India. 

Nikam ventured into political office in 2024 as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Though unsuccessful in the Lok Sabha election from Mumbai North Central, his career took another twist as he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu in 2025.

Ujjwal Nikam Educational Background

Nikam had been trained in sciences before moving to law, which eventually helped him join the realm of criminal law. Nikam graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Pune University in 1973 while his Bachelor of Laws degree was awarded by S. S. Maniyar Law College in Jalgaon in 1976. His legal training was going to be crucial in building a career which involved difficult and sensitive investigations.

Ujjwal Nikam Career

The practice of law by Nikam commenced in Maharashtra, where he slowly built up a name for himself in handling tough criminal prosecutions and this included coordinating with the investigation agencies, putting forth evidence and defending the case on behalf of the government in trials which often gained wide media attention. 

The 1993 Bombay blasts case and 26/11 trial case are notable highlights of his career while, he handled some other prominent murder and sexual assault cases. From his career, one can understand that criminal prosecution is not limited to dramatic scenes in courtrooms. It involves the process of building up a case.

Ujjwal Nikam: The Prosecutor of India’s Biggest Terror Trials

Nikam’s national profile is closely associated with two major terrorism cases.

• 1993 Bombay bombings: The coordinated attacks killed 257 people and injured more than 1,400, according to widely reported official figures. The resulting prosecution involved a large body of evidence and numerous accused.
• 2008 Mumbai attacks: The coordinated attacks killed 166 people, excluding the nine attackers killed during the operation and Nikam led the prosecution of Ajmal Kasab, who was captured alive.
• Ajmal Kasab trial: Kasab was convicted and sentenced to death while his execution took place on 21 November 2012.
• Complex criminal proceedings: These cases required the prosecution to establish the accused’s involvement through testimony, documentary records and other admissible evidence.

These trials placed Nikam at the centre of national discussions about terrorism, criminal accountability and the functioning of India’s justice system.

Is Ujjwal Nikam a Government or Private Person?

There have been changes in Nikam’s professional and public profile. He was employed as a lawyer and acted as a special public prosecutor whenever the government assigned him as the prosecution lawyer. 

Being a special public prosecutor does not mean that the lawyer is a government servant. Nikam’s political profile has further increased since then. He contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as a BJP candidate and became a Rajya Sabha member nominated by the President of India in 2025.