Viral Kumbh Mela Woman Marries Muslim Boyfriend In Kerala, Says Southern State Beyond Religion & Caste

Last Updated:March 11, 2026, 22:22 IST

The wedding came only after the woman sought direct police intervention, alleging that her father was attempting to take her away to her hometown against her will

A viral sensation at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj last year, Monalisa Bhonsle married her Muslim boyfriend at a temple ceremony in Kerala’s Poovar on Wednesday.

Bhonsle, who had captivated the internet during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, had a traditional Hindu wedding at the Nainar temple at Arumanoor.

But the wedding came only after Bhonsle sought direct police intervention earlier in the day. She went to the Thampanoor police station, alleging that her father was attempting to take her away to her hometown against her will.

‘SHE IS A MAJOR’

Bhonsle, who was accompanied by members of a film crew when she and her partner went to the police, alleged that her family was vehemently opposed to her relationship.

She alleged that her family was pressuring her to abandon her partner and marry a person of their choosing. But, the police stood by her right to self-determination.

“She insisted that she won’t go with her father and made it clear that she is going to marry her boyfriend. As she is a major, she can act according to her choice," a police officer said.

After the police refused to allow her father to interfere, he reportedly returned to his hometown, allowing the couple to proceed to the temple.

‘KERALA SUPPORTS PEOPLE’

Originally from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, Bhonsle rose to fame last year after a video of her selling rudraksh garlands at the Kumbh Mela went viral.

She earned a following for her “captivating smile and beautiful eyes". For the couple, whose romance blossomed over six months after meeting through social media, the state represents more than just a wedding destination.

“That’s why we decided to get married here. I am feeling very much happy now. Kerala is a state that supports people beyond religion and caste. Here, anyone can marry according to their choice and live happily. That’s why we came here," Bhonsle said.

She said she would love to permanently settle in the state, as she has already received offers to act in Malayalam cinema. Her husband echoed these sentiments, praising the region for its welcoming atmosphere.

‘IT’S THE REAL KERALA STORY’

At the ceremony, Bhonsle was seen in a traditional red sari and wore sindoor, while the groom – an actor from Maharashtra – chose a classic traditional attire of a white shirt and a mundu.

With the state soon going to polls, the wedding was attended by high-profile political leaders, including general education minister V Sivankutty, CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan, and Rajya Sabha MP AA Rahim. Sivankutty, addressing reporters at the event, lauded the marriage as a symbol of Kerala’s inclusive values.

“Marriage happens in heaven, and that heaven is Kerala. It is the real Kerala story," Sivankutty said.

(With PTI inputs)

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