18-year-old woman from Madhya Pradesh, Monalisa Bhonsle, who gained attention during the Kumbh Mela, has again come into the spotlight after marrying a Muslim man, leading to a dispute with her family.
Monalisa, a resident of Maheshwar town in Madhya Pradesh and belonging to the nomadic Pardhi community, married Farman Khan on Wednesday at the Nainar Temple in Arumanoor, Poovar, Kerala.
The ceremony was conducted according to Hindu rituals and was attended by several local leaders and ministers.
Following the marriage, Monalisa’s father alleged that his daughter had been trapped in what he described as “love jihad” and appealed to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to intervene and ensure her safe return to the state.
Speaking to reporters, her father claimed that Monalisa had gained recognition across the country after attracting attention during the Kumbh Mela and was exploring opportunities in the film industry. According to him, she had recently received offers to act in two films and was undergoing training in acting and dancing.
He alleged that she had been deceived into marrying Farman Khan and requested government intervention.
The term “love jihad” is used by some right-wing groups to describe allegations that Muslim men lure Hindu women into relationships or marriage to convert them to Islam.
However, Monalisa has strongly denied her father’s allegations, stating that the marriage was her own decision. She said the wedding was conducted according to Hindu customs and that she willingly chose to marry Farman.
“Our marriage was solemnised according to Hindu rituals. In fact, he did not initially want to marry me, but I insisted and convinced him,” she said.
Monalisa also claimed that her father had been pressuring her to marry her paternal aunt’s son and that she opposed the proposal, which led to tensions within the family.