'It’s not ‘love jihad’: Viral Mahakumbh girl Monalisa Bhosle clarifies after marrying Muslim man, says she followed Hindu rituals

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Monalisa Bhonsle, the 18-year-old Mahakumbh Mela sensation from Indore who rose to fame last year after videos of her selling rudraksh garlands went viral, tied the knot with actor Farman Khan at the Arumanoor temple in Poovar, Kerala, on Wednesday under police protection. The couple, who had been in a relationship for six months, said they chose Kerala for its supportive and harmonious environment.The wedding, held in traditional Kerala style, saw Monalisa in a red saree and the groom in a white dhoti and shirt. Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty, CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan, Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim, and other prominent leaders attended the ceremony. Monalisa addressed circulating reports that she was underage, calling them “fake and incorrect.” She stated, “I am 18 years old. I got married according to Hindu rituals. It is not ‘love jihad.’ I respect all religions and consider every religion equal.” Her husband confirmed that their marriage was registered, which would not have been possible if she were underage.The couple had approached the Thampanoor police station earlier on Wednesday, seeking protection after Monalisa’s father reportedly tried to take her back to her hometown in Madhya Pradesh against her will. Police reminded her father that as an adult, she had the right to choose her partner. Monalisa’s father, Jaisingh Bhonsle, alleged that she had been persuaded to come to Kerala under the pretext of acting opportunities. Her uncle also expressed concern, claiming the family was uneducated and worried she may have been influenced through “black magic.”Monalisa and Farman said their relationship began six months ago during a film shoot in Poovar. They had completed shooting for one film and were preparing for another. They expressed their desire to settle in Kerala, where they found an atmosphere free from divisive sentiments.Speaking to reporters, Farman said, “We planned to get married here because everyone lives in harmony and supports each other.” Minister Sivankutty echoed the sentiment, calling it “the real Kerala story where people can live freely.”The couple’s decision to marry in Kerala, despite family opposition, highlights both Monalisa’s rise from viral fame to cinema opportunities and her determination to make independent choices about her personal life.(With agency inputs)