Kumbh Mela viral star Monalisa Bhonsle seeks police help in Kerala to marry boyfriend

Thiruvananthapuram: Monalisa Bhonsle, the young woman who became an internet sensation during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, approached the police here on Wednesday seeking protection so she could stay with her boyfriend and marry him.

Bhonsle went to the Thampanoor Police Station claiming that her father was trying to take her back to her hometown against her wishes. Police said she is currently in the Kerala capital as part of a film shoot.

The Indore native had gone viral earlier this year after a content creator posted a video of her selling rudraksha garlands at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Her warm smile and striking eyes quickly caught the attention of social media users, turning her into an overnight internet personality.

According to police officials, Bhonsle arrived at the station along with her boyfriend, who is from Uttar Pradesh, and members of the film crew she was working with. She alleged that her father had come looking for her and was trying to force her to return home.

The couple had recently travelled to Poovar for the film shoot, police added.

Officers said Bhonsle made it clear that she did not want to accompany her father and intended to marry her boyfriend. Since she is an adult, the police noted that she has the right to make her own decisions regarding her life.

After speaking with officials, Bhonsle left the station with her boyfriend and the film crew. The couple reportedly told police that they plan to get married soon, possibly in Kerala itself. Meanwhile, her father is believed to have returned to his hometown.

(with inputs from agencies)