Monalisa Bhosle: The Girl Who Was Selling Malas at the Kumbh Mela But Never Entered Bollywood

By Sharad Rai

It was MayaPuri that first introduced us to Monalisa, the beautiful girl with mesmerizing kohl-rimmed eyes who was selling rudraksha malas at the Kumbh Mela. Her image went viral after people started clicking pictures with her. As a result, Bollywood filmmaker Sanoj Mishra traveled 80 kilometers from Indore to Maheshwar to meet her and offer her a role in his film. She, a tribal girl from the Paridhi community, was signed as the heroine alongside Amit Rao, Rajkumar Rao’s brother, who was making his debut in this film.

Monalisa Bhosle Trolled Amid Bollywood Debut & Viral Rumors

Recently, a lot of news has been circulating on social media about her. She is being trolled for being brought to Mumbai and for taking her very first flight. News has been spreading that producers and trainers are teaching her, grooming her for a 'sexy' look, and preparing her for a movie-style makeover. It’s even being said that her shooting has already begun, with her appearing in a dance number with Bhojpuri film star Khesari Lal. Monalisa has become a subject of great curiosity on social media, with numerous comments being written about her. Various images of her are being altered through computer-generated and AI tools and shared online. News channels and YouTube channels are covering Monalisa Bhosle extensively, treating her as hot content. One Facebook image even shows Salman Khan holding her in his arms, with the caption that she has reached his farmhouse.

However, the truth is far from what’s being portrayed. Monalisa’s so-called "godfather" in Bollywood, Sanoj Mishra, himself has never met Salman Khan.

Monalisa’s Bollywood Debut: Concerns & Viral Reactions

There are also many concerned people who are worried about her future. Most of the viral news comments claim that this film will never happen and that Monalisa will fall into the same trap that many young women in the film industry do—end up lost and without a career or be exploited and forgotten. Many believe that Monalisa will also be left with no path forward.

Sanoj Mishra’s Team Denies Monalisa’s Bollywood Entry Rumors

To get the real story, we reached out to filmmaker Sanoj Mishra. His spokesperson, Sanjay Bhushan Patiala , responded, "Seeing Monalisa get work has caused indigestion among many in Bollywood. They’re wondering how a tribal girl could get a chance to be a heroine! The truth is, Monalisa Bhosle has never come to Mumbai; she is still at her home."

We even received a video from Monalisa herself, in which she confirms that she is at home in Madhya Pradesh. Her sister and uncle are also visible in the video, talking about how after discussions with the producer and director, Monalisa got approval to work in the film. Monalisa, in her typical rural style, mentions that Sanoj Mishra is a good man who treats her like a daughter. She’s preparing for acting at home and is happy with her progress.

Sanoj Mishra’s 'Diary of Manipur' Faces Controversy

Sanoj Mishra insists that this is all a conspiracy to malign him. His previous film, Diary of West Bengal, became embroiled in controversies, and now his new film Diary of Manipur is being targeted in the same way. The muhurat (ceremonial launch) of Diary of Manipur happened recently in Delhi, with Amit Rao, Rajkumar Rao ’s brother, playing the lead.

The pictures of Monalisa’s flight journey circulating on social media were taken during her visit to a jewelry exhibition in Bangalore. Mishra says Monalisa is like a daughter to him, and his real daughter is 18 years old. He believes the entire situation is a scheme to defame him.

Monalisa’s Film Deal: Truth Behind ₹21 Lakh Rumors

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A post shared by Monalisa (@monalisakumbhmela)

In any case, Monalisa Bhosle is currently making waves. On social media, her image is being heavily built. It is being claimed that she will be paid 21 lakh rupees for the film, and she has already received 1 lakh rupees, traveling by flights, and more. Mishra, however, dismisses these stories and clarifies that Monalisa is working in his film, the shooting of which will begin in April, at which point she will come to Mumbai. That, according to him, is the real story.

As we wrote earlier, these days, one way to enter the film industry is by gaining popularity on social media. This is the reality of Monalisa, the girl who once sold malas at the Kumbh Mela. Only time will tell what the future holds for her!