Viral Kumbh Mela Girl Alleges Director Misbehaved with Minors, Seeks Protection

The young woman who went viral during last year’s Prayagraj Kumbh Mela for selling rudraksha garlands, Monalisa, on Tuesday accused film director Sanoj Mishra of misbehaving with minor girls under the pretext of offering film roles. She became known to the director after he offered her a role following her viral fame at the Kumbh Mela, which had brought her widespread attention on social media.

Speaking at a press conference here, the woman sought intervention from the Central government as well as the governments of Kerala and Madhya Pradesh, alleging that she and her husband were receiving death threats and facing harassment .

Accompanied by her husband, she claimed that their posters were being burnt and that they were being targeted by individuals allegedly linked to the director. She further alleged that the filmmaker was defaming her and had refused to cast her in his projects.

“Who wants to work in his films? He is a disgusting person. He misbehaves with minor girls. I am ashamed to even take his name,” she said.

The woman also urged authorities, including the Uttar Pradesh government, not to make what she described as false allegations against her husband regarding their marriage. She stated that their wedding was conducted as per Hindu rites at a temple , rejecting claims labelling it as “love jihad”.

“If any attempt is made to separate us, we will end our lives. We cannot live without each other,” she said, alleging that the director was trying to incite communal discord.

Her husband, Farman Khan, alleged that he was being branded a “terrorist” due to his Muslim identity. “Just because I was born into a Muslim family, such accusations are being made. We are being threatened,” he said, adding that he respects Sree Narayana Guru and that their marriage took place in one of his temples.

The woman, who hails from Indore, broke down during the interaction and reiterated their plea for protection. The couple, who recently married in Kerala against her family’s wishes, had arrived in Thiruvananthapuram for a film shoot.