The father of Monalisa Bhonsle, an 18-year-old woman who gained attention during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela last year, has urged Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav for assistance in bringing her back to the state following her marriage to a Muslim man in Kerala. Monalisa, hailing from Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh and belonging to the nomadic Pardhi community, wed Farman Khan at the Nainar Temple in Arumanoor, Poovar, Kerala. The marriage took place on Wednesday and was attended by state ministers.

Upon her return from Kerala, Monalisa’s father, Jayasingh Bhonsle, expressed concerns that his daughter had fallen victim to “love jihad,” a controversial term often used by right-wing groups alleging that Muslim men entice Hindu women into relationships leading to conversion to Islam. “My daughter has gained recognition across the country. I request Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to ensure Monalisa is brought back to MP safely. She has been deceived by a Muslim youth, Farman Khan. It is a case of love jihad,” he told reporters.

Monalisa’s Aspirations in the Film Industry

Jayasingh Bhonsle mentioned that his daughter was exploring opportunities in the film sector and aimed to establish a career for herself. He stated, “I was informed that my daughter was involved in two films and that she was receiving training in acting and dance to pursue a future in movies. I never anticipated a situation like this.”

Meanwhile, representatives from the Hindu Jagran Manch, including Sameer Mahule and Bhupendra Chauhan, indicated they would attempt to persuade Monalisa to return home.

Monalisa Defends Her Decision

In response to her father’s claims, Monalisa firmly rejected the allegations of coercion, asserting that her marriage was a decision made freely by her. During a press conference held in Thiruvananthapuram, she clarified that her union with a Muslim man was conducted in accordance with Hindu customs.

Monalisa, who became known as the “Kumbh Mela girl” and attracted attention online, appeared alongside her husband Farman Khan, dismissing the “love jihad” accusations and affirming that neither had converted their faith post-marriage.

The newlyweds contended that their relationship is built on mutual respect, emphasizing that religious differences were not a consideration in their marriage. “Our marriage was solemnized according to Hindu rituals. To be honest, he didn’t actually want to marry me, but I insisted. I practically forced him to marry me,” Monalisa stated. As the eldest of four siblings, she noted that her parents preferred her to marry her paternal aunt’s son, a suggestion she opposed.

Faced with family objections, Monalisa and Farman sought help from the Thampanoor police station in Thiruvananthapuram prior to their marriage. Police confirmed that Monalisa approached them for protection ahead of the wedding, highlighting the complexities surrounding their decision.

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