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With “The Diary of Manipur”, Monalisa Bhonsle has come a long way = from a simple garland seller to a Bollywood debutante – making it more magical than a fairy tale
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The film not only marks her debut but also highlights Uttarakhand’s scenic beauty and the cultural richness of Manipuri storytelling
Remember Monalisa Bhonsle, the girl selling garlands and ‘rudraksh malas’ who became a viral sensation at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, with the electrifying smile and large liquid eyes.
Eventually it was this plus her charisma and charm that catapulted her in the whirlwind world of Tinseltown enchantment n Bollywood.
During the days of her viral sensation at the Mahakumbh, Pravasi Samwad had covered her stories extensively.
Monalisa is currently in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, to begin shooting for her Bollywood debut film, “The Diary of Manipur”. It is based on a Manipuri love story that touches upon important social issues.
Bollywood producer-director Sanoj Mishra is leading this ambitious project,
Monalisa playing lead role
As the heroine off the upcoming movie, Monalisa, popularly known as the “Mona Lisa of Kumbh,” will be seen opposite actor Abhishek Tripathi, while Amit Rao, elder brother of Bollywood star Rajkummar Rao, and local actor Vishnu Dubey also feature in key roles.
Warm Welcome
On her arrival for shooting at the location, Monalisa was given a warm welcome by the film crew and others on the sets. The film’s co-producer Punjab Singh Majithia greeted her with a bouquet of flowers.
Production head Pawan Singh has trained Monalisa extensively, to prepare her for this role .
Speaking about her first impressions about Uttarakhand’s natural charm, Monalisa said: “The air, water, and people here are truly wonderful. The beauty of Uttarakhand has deeply overwhelmed me.”
From viral sensation to actress
Monalisa’s fame goes back to the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, where she was spotted selling garlands. Her striking eyes and unique features drew comparisons to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, earning her the nickname “Mona Lisa of Kumbh.”
Videos of her selling malas quickly went viral on social media, turning her into an overnight sensation. But it also brought many challenges which eventually compelled her to leave Prayagraj due to safety concerns.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Pravasi Samwad. Pravasi Samwad is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented.
