Kumbh Mela Girl Monalisa Bhosle and Husband Mohammed Farman Choose Kerala as Their Home
In a significant personal development, Monalisa Bhosle, widely recognized as the 'Kumbh Mela girl', has announced that she and her husband, actor Mohammed Farman, will be settling down in Kerala. The couple, who married under police protection in Thiruvananthapuram, made this decision public while addressing reporters on Thursday, putting to rest swirling controversies surrounding their union.
Definitive Rejection of Religious Conversion and Love Jihad Allegations
Monalisa Bhosle categorically dismissed any possibility of religious conversion, directly countering social media claims labeling their marriage as 'love jihad'. She emphasized that the wedding was conducted strictly according to Hindu traditions at the Arumanoor temple in Poovar, with the ceremony registered with the local registrar of marriages of Poovar grama panchayat. "The marriage was conducted as per the Hindu tradition, and there is no question of religious conversion," Monalisa stated firmly, addressing persistent rumors head-on.
She elaborated on her personal choice, revealing that her parents had wanted her to marry another boy, but she declined. "I met Farman on the set of Nagamma around six months ago. I proposed to him first," she shared, highlighting her agency in the relationship. Her birth certificate and Aadhaar card, issued in Madhya Pradesh, both list her birth date as January 1, 2008, confirming she is 18 years old and legally an adult.
Husband Mohammed Farman Echoes Sentiments on Unity and Happiness
Mohammed Farman, an actor originally from Uttar Pradesh, supported his wife's statements, asserting that religious conversion holds no importance in their love. "Monalisa is a Hindu, and we married as per her wish in Hindu tradition. In love, conversion is not important," he explained. He addressed media narratives from northern India, noting, "In the north, there is discussion in the media saying it is 'love jihad' and all, but it is nothing like that. Many Hindus and Muslims marry."
Farman praised Kerala's inclusive environment, stating he has been living there for the past one-and-a-half years after initially visiting for work. "In Kerala there is no division of caste or religion, and all are looked at as human beings," he observed, expressing gratitude for the state government's support, including the attendance of ministers at their wedding.
Police Intervention and Wedding Details Amidst Parental Opposition
The couple's path to marriage involved legal and protective measures. On Wednesday, Monalisa approached the Thampanoor police station seeking police protection, citing her parents' opposition to the marriage. Police intervention followed, with officers speaking to her father, who refused to grant permission. However, since Monalisa is an adult, the police allowed her to proceed with Farman.
The wedding was arranged through a friend of the producer of the film they were shooting for in Poovar. It was held in traditional Kerala style, with Farman wearing a shirt and white dhoti, and Monalisa adorned in a red saree, symbolizing their embrace of local customs.
Controversy Persists with VHP Complaint Over Age
Despite the couple's clarifications, controversy lingers. Vishwa Hindu Parishad general secretary Anil Vilayil submitted a complaint to the state Director General of Police on Thursday, alleging that Monalisa is not yet 18. Vilayil cited social media reports claiming she celebrated her 16th birthday in 2025, though official documents presented by Monalisa contradict this assertion.
This ongoing dispute underscores the broader societal tensions interwoven with their personal story, as the couple remains steadfast in their commitment to each other and their new life in Kerala.
