Maha Kumbh 2025: The Faces of the Maha Kumbh Mela Who Gained More Attention Than Film Stars Who Were They?

By Sharad Rai

The Maha Kumbh has come to an end. This grand event saw participation from people equivalent to half of India’s population. It goes without saying that such a massive gathering has never occurred on Earth in recorded history, and never before have so many people come together in one place. While many popular film stars attended, they didn’t grab as much attention as some unexpected faces who, surprisingly, became the talk of the town at this chilly Magh Mela. People were eager to click photos with them, and they went viral. Let’s take a look at some of them:

Monalisa: The Start of a Film Career

Monalisa’s popularity surged from Prayagraj to Bollywood in Mumbai. She became a viral sensation during the Mela when people clicked pictures with her—she was a dusky, tribal girl with kohl-lined eyes selling fake tulsi garlands. Monalisa became a unique attraction at the Kumbh Mela. Her rise to fame led to her signing a film contract. Directed by Sanoj Mishra, she is set to debut in the film Diary of Manipur, alongside Raj Kumar Rao’s brother, who will also be making his debut.

IIT Baba:  Na ghar ke na ghaat ke

IIT Baba was one of the most unusual faces at the Kumbh Mela. With a sharp look and a smile that could attract anyone, he certainly had the "hero material" vibe. Having earned an engineering degree from IIT Mumbai, he gave up a lucrative job in the US worth three lakh rupees to become a swami. Known for his expertise and knowledge, IIT Baba, whose real name is Swami Abhay, came to the Kumbh Mela to share his wisdom and experiences. He quickly became famous as IIT Baba.

The Boy Selling Datun: Atmanirbhar Bharat

One young man from the Kumbh Mela became a social media sensation for spreading the message of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Tiwari, who was selling neem twigs (datun) in the Mela, was searched by people all over social media. A YouTuber made a video about him, which went viral. People began searching for him to take pictures with him. Adarsh became famous because, within just five days, he made ₹40,000 by selling datuns without any initial investment. He shared his story with the YouTuber, explaining that he was unemployed and his marriage was delayed due to a lack of income. His girlfriend suggested selling neem twigs, which he collected for free from trees, and this idea turned out to be a huge success. Adarsh earned between ₹5,000 and ₹9,000 daily by selling datuns at the Kumbh Mela.

The Beautiful Sannyasini: Harsha Richharia

Among the many sadhus and sannyasis at the Kumbh Mela, there were also some stunningly beautiful women sannyasis. One of them was Harsha Richharia, who couldn’t decide whether she was a true sannyasini or still connected to the householder life. Once a part of the glamour industry, Harsha wanted to determine the direction of her life under the guidance of her guru. With her striking beauty and beautifully styled hair, she became a unique attraction at the Kumbh.

Mamta Kulkarni and Katrina Kaif: "Dubki hui dubki"

The Kumbh has always been an attraction for the cinema world. Many films have associated the festival with themes of loss and reunion. In Maha Kumbh 2025, many stars from the film industry were seen taking dips in the sacred waters. Actress Mamta Kulkarni, who had been away from the limelight for years, was seen at the Mela. She became a topic of discussion after her association with the Kinnar Akhada, where she was both appointed and removed as the head. Actress Katrina Kaif also took a dip at the Sangam, where she was seen opposing the issue of caste division.

Baal Naga: Na umr ki seema, na jaati ka bandhan

Among the thousands of pilgrims, an 8-year-old Naga sadhu named  Gopal Giri stood out. With his body smeared in ash and naked, this young sadhu caught the attention of visitors. People eagerly gathered around him, clicking photos and sharing them online. His innocence and devotion made him a viral sensation at the Kumbh.

In addition to these famous faces, many other fascinating and unique individuals also attended the Kumbh Mela, showcasing their art, culture, and personalities. In those moments, they overshadowed even the big film stars in the crowd.

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