KHARGONE, MADHYA PRADESH — The family of Monalisa Bhonsle, the 18-year-old actor who gained national attention during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, has reached out to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, alleging she has become a victim of “love jihad.” Her father, Jayasingh Bhonsle, claims his daughter was “deceitfully trapped” into a cross-faith marriage in Kerala and has requested the state government to ensure her safe return.
Monalisa, a member of the nomadic Pardhi community from Maheshwar, married Farman Khan on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Nainar Temple in Poovar, Kerala. The ceremony was reportedly attended by several Kerala state ministers, further complicating the political optics of the union.
Conflicting Narratives: Deception vs. Choice
The case has highlighted a sharp divide between the family’s claims and the young woman’s public statements:
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The Father’s Claim: Jayasingh Bhonsle alleges that while his daughter was in Kerala ostensibly for film training—learning acting and dance—she was instead coerced into marriage. He characterized the union as a targeted conspiracy by Muslim men to convert Hindu women. “My daughter has earned a name across the country; she was trapped deceitfully,” he told reporters.
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The Actor’s Stance: Conversely, Monalisa addressed a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, rejecting all allegations of “love jihad.” She asserted that the wedding was her own choice and was conducted according to Hindu customs. She further revealed that her father was upset because she had refused to marry her paternal aunt’s son as per the family’s wishes.
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Ideological Escalation: Functionaries from the Hindu Jagran Manch have announced they will attempt to “persuade” Monalisa to return home, viewing the incident as a matter of cultural and religious concern.
From Kumbh to Kerala
Monalisa’s rise to prominence was sudden, stemming from her presence at the 2025 Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, where she was celebrated as a rising talent from a marginalized community. Her transition into the film industry was seen as a success story for the Pardhi community.
As the debate intensifies, the Kerala government’s involvement in the wedding ceremony has drawn scrutiny from right-wing groups in Madhya Pradesh. While the Kerala administration has characterized the event as a celebration of communal harmony, the MP Chief Minister’s office has yet to issue a formal response to the father’s plea for intervention.
