Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ Monalisa Bhosle, the young woman who once sold bead necklaces at the grand Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, has now entered a very different chapter in her life. After unexpectedly finding fame during the religious festival last year, she is now in the film industry and planning to use her first earnings for a cause close to her heart. Popularly known as the “Kumbh Mela Sundari,” Monalisa first drew attention when her photographs and short videos from the crowded festival began circulating widely on social media. Her natural charm and striking presence quickly turned her into an internet sensation.
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What began as a normal day of selling beads soon changed her life. That sudden attention opened doors to the world of cinema. Monalisa has since completed work on her debut film, The Diary of Manipur, directed by Sanoj Mishra. The film also features Amit Rao, the brother of Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao. The project marks her official entry into movies, and she is now set to receive her first salary as an actress. In addition to her debut, she reportedly has two more films in the pipeline. But what she plans to do with her first paycheck has truly won hearts.
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Rather than wasting money on personal comforts or luxuries, Monalisa has decided to build a girls’ school in her hometown. She claims the inspiration came from her personal experiences and seeing the difficulties many girls in rural areas face when it comes to schooling. Monalisa states that many families have no opportunity for quality education and that parents are very concerned about sending their daughters far away from home to go to school because of safety concerns or costs. Hence, she would like to help address this issue by adding an all-girls school in her village so that more girls will have access to education, as well as provide them with a safe environment to learn and grow in.
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Monalisa feels that education is the strongest foundation for empowerment. She believes that when females are educated, families and communities benefit. Her promise has received considerable applause from fans and supporters, who see it as a striking example of leveraging fame for a good cause. While her cinematic career is only beginning, many believe her dedication to education will be her greatest lasting success.
