Thiruvananthapuram: Monalisa Bhonsle, the viral ‘Prayagraj Kumbh Mela girl’, approached a police station in Kerala seeking protection from her father, alleging that he was trying to forcibly take her back to her hometown in Indore while she is currently in the state for a film shoot.
According to police officials, Monalisa arrived at the Thampanoor police station along with her boyfriend and members of a film crew. She reportedly told officers that she did not wish to return with her father and intended to marry her boyfriend instead.
Approaches police seeking protection
Police officials said Monalisa insisted that she was not willing to accompany her father back home and sought protection from possible coercion.
“She insisted that she would not go with her father and made it clear that she is going to marry her boyfriend. As she is a major, she can act according to her choice,” a police officer said.
The police confirmed that since she is an adult, she has the legal right to make her own decisions regarding her personal life.
After speaking with officers at the station, Monalisa reportedly left with her boyfriend and members of the film crew.
According to the police, the couple indicated that they plan to get married soon and may do so in Kerala itself.
Meanwhile, her father reportedly returned to Indore after the interaction at the police station.
Shooting for a film in Kerala
Monalisa is currently in Kerala for the shooting of a film project.
Reports suggest that she is part of a film being directed by filmmaker Sanoj Mishra.
The movie, titled The Diary of Manipur, is expected to release later this year.
Members of the film crew accompanied her to the police station during the incident and reportedly supported her statement that she wished to remain in Kerala.
Police officials said the matter was resolved after verifying that she was acting of her own free will.
From garland seller to internet sensation
Monalisa Bhonsle first rose to prominence during the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
Originally from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, she had travelled to the religious gathering to sell garlands and earn a livelihood.
During the event, a content creator filmed a short video of her and posted it on Instagram.
The video quickly went viral, drawing widespread attention to her striking appearance and expressive eyes.
Within a short period, Monalisa became a popular figure at the Kumbh Mela, with large crowds reportedly gathering to take photographs and selfies with her.
Her sudden rise to fame transformed her from an unknown garland seller into a widely recognised social media personality.
Opportunity in the film industry
Following her viral fame, filmmaker Sanoj Mishra reportedly approached Monalisa and offered her a role in his upcoming film.
The project, The Diary of Manipur, is scheduled for release in April, according to reports.
Her entry into the film industry marked a dramatic shift in her life, as she moved from selling garlands at religious gatherings to acting in a film production.
After receiving the offer, Monalisa returned to Indore to undergo basic acting training before beginning work on the project.
She later travelled to Mumbai to continue preparations and participate in shooting schedules.
Challenges and adaptation
Director Sanoj Mishra has reportedly acknowledged that Monalisa faced certain challenges while adapting to acting.
According to him, her accent posed some initial difficulties, but she gradually adjusted to the demands of film production.
He has also stated that her natural innocence and simplicity are qualities that make her stand out on screen.
The filmmaker believes these characteristics could resonate with audiences when the film releases.
Social media fame and public attention
Monalisa’s viral rise is another example of how social media platforms can dramatically change the trajectory of an individual’s life.
Her story attracted widespread interest online, with many users fascinated by how quickly her circumstances transformed.
From working as a garland seller at one of the world’s largest religious gatherings to appearing in a film project, her journey has drawn significant public attention.
However, the incident in Kerala also highlights the personal challenges that can accompany sudden fame and changes in life circumstances.
Police confirm matter resolved
Police officials in Thiruvananthapuram confirmed that the matter did not require further legal intervention.
Since Monalisa is an adult and expressed her decision clearly, authorities said they respected her choice.
After ensuring there was no immediate threat or coercion, the police allowed her to leave with the individuals she had arrived with.
Officials said no case was registered in connection with the incident.