Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ Monalisa Bhosle, the 16-year-old from Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, who became an internet sensation during the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, has secured a lead role in an upcoming Bollywood film. The young star, whose striking eyes captured the attention of millions, is now set to make her mark on the silver screen in the movie titled, The Diary of Manipur. Monalisa gained widespread fame when a content creator filmed her selling rudraksha garlands at the Mahakumbh, showcasing her natural beauty and captivating presence. Her eyes, in particular, became a topic of fascination, and soon, social media was abuzz with admiration. However, the attention was not all positive.
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After the viral video, Monalisa and her family faced harassment, which led them to leave Prayagraj. Despite the challenges, her viral fame has now opened a new door in her life. Monalisa’s new venture into the film industry will see her playing the female lead opposite Amit Rao, Rajkummar Rao’s brother. This marks Amit Rao’s debut in the film industry, making it a significant milestone for both newcomers. Directed by Sanoj Mishra, who is known for his work on The Diary of West Bengal, The Diary of Manipur promises to be a compelling narrative that combines love and violence, set in the scenic backdrop of Manipur.
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Details surrounding the film’s storyline remain largely under wraps, but the casting of Monalisa in such a crucial role has already generated excitement. The project seems to be a significant step for Monalisa, who has spent years selling flowers in her hometown of Khargone. Despite her humble beginnings, her rise to fame and eventual entry into Bollywood is a testament to her resilience and the unpredictable nature of destiny. Sanoj Mishra, the film’s director, recently met Monalisa and her family at their home to discuss the project in detail. In an Instagram video shared by the director, Monalisa expressed her excitement about the opportunity. She emphasized her determination and hard work as she embarks on this new chapter of her life.
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Initially struck by Monalisa’s natural beauty and simplicity, Mishra has now taken it upon himself to ensure her success in the industry. During a media interview, he shared his admiration for her innocence and the challenges she had faced after her sudden rise to fame. Mishra said, “I was impressed with her innocence, simplicity, and natural looks, but what followed was horrible and so disturbing. So, I searched for her and met her parents and family members about the film and all aspects”. To help Monalisa prepare for her role, Mishra has planned an extensive workshop, which will first take place in Indore for two weeks before moving to Mumbai. The film is set to begin shooting in February, with a brief one-week schedule in London, followed by an extensive shoot in Manipur from April onward. Monalisa’s dedication to the craft, along with the director’s commitment to her growth, indicates a promising future ahead.
Mishra’s goal is to showcase Monalisa’s simplicity and innocence in the film, offering a refreshing contrast to the often flashy, artificial representations seen in today’s social media culture. He said, “Her simplicity has made her go viral, so we will present her with that simplicity and set an example in this era of reels and social media. A girl from a Banjara community can become an actor and rule the industry. This statement also serves as a powerful rebuttal to those who attempted to exploit her newfound fame for personal gain. Monalisa’s journey from selling garlands near the Narmada River to becoming a Bollywood lead is truly remarkable. With The Diary of Manipur, she is ready to carve a new identity in the world of cinema.
