Kumbh Mela Girl Monalisa Gets Court Protection Amid Threats After Marriage

Once a familiar face to millions of social media users after videos of her selling prayer beads at the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela in North India went viral, Monalisa Bhosle now finds herself at the centre of a very different spotlight — one playing out in courtrooms and police stations.

The Kerala High Court last week ordered police protection for Monalisa, who has alleged that she and her husband, Mohammed Farman Khan, have been facing threats, intimidation and an online hate campaign following their inter-faith marriage.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas observed that, after hearing both sides, he was prima facie satisfied that she ought to be given protection for her life. The court directed the Station House Officer of the Central Police Station, Ernakulam, to provide security to her until the writ petition is finally decided. The matter will next be heard on July 10.

In her petition, Monalisa said she had moved to the film industry after gaining sudden public attention during the Maha Kumbh Mela, and later married Farman Khan in Kerala on March 11, 2026. The marriage was registered under the Kerala Registration of Marriage (Common) Rules, 2008.

She told the court that soon after news of the marriage became public, social media accounts began circulating abusive content against the couple. Photographs of the pair were reportedly burned and symbolically attacked during protests, with videos of these incidents widely shared online.

The petition further alleged that the couple has been receiving threatening messages from unknown individuals and is being followed by strangers. One message, cited in the plea, allegedly warned that she would be shot for marrying a “Pakistani”.

Despite lodging complaints with the police and the City Police Commissioner, Monalisa said the threats have continued, leaving her in fear and affecting her ability to pursue her acting career.

Her plea for protection is part of a wider set of legal proceedings linked to the marriage. Following allegations regarding her age at the time of marriage, a criminal case was registered in Madhya Pradesh based on a complaint filed by her father. In response, the couple has approached the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail.

Parallel proceedings are also underway before a Thiruvananthapuram POCSO court, while the couple has separately moved the Madhya Pradesh High Court alleging manipulation of age records.


Monalisa, who shot to nationwide fame as the “Kumbh Mela girl” after her viral presence at the 2025 pilgrimage, was widely featured across social media and digital platforms as an unexpected internet sensation. However, her rapid rise to visibility was also accompanied by scrutiny over her age, with conflicting claims circulating online and triggering public debate and subsequent legal attention in related proceedings.

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