Bhopal, January 30 : Monalisa Bhonsle, who gained widespread recognition at the Prayagraj Mahakumbh due to her striking looks and unique persona, is all set to make her film debut. Renowned filmmaker Sanoj Mishra, known for ‘The Diary of West Bengal’, has officially signed Monalisa for the lead role in his upcoming film, ‘The Diary of Manipur’.
A Viral Sensation Becomes a Film Star
Monalisa’s pictures went viral on social media after she was spotted selling beads and malas at the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Filmmaker Sanoj Mishra traveled to Maheshwar on Wednesday to meet her in person and offer her the lead role in his next film.
In the movie, Monalisa will portray the daughter of an army officer, navigating a love story and personal struggles amid the violence in Manipur. With a budget of ₹20 crore, the film is set to begin shooting in February and is expected to release in October 2025.
Who is Sanoj Mishra?
Sanoj Mishra has directed multiple impactful films, including:
- ‘Kashi to Kashmir’
- ‘The Diary of West Bengal’
- ‘Rock Band Party’
- ‘Ram Janmabhoomi’
- ‘Gandhigiri’
He revealed that research for ‘The Diary of Manipur’ has been ongoing for six months, and the film will be shot in Imphal, Delhi, and London. Monalisa’s portions will begin filming between March and April 2025.
From Mahakumbh to the Big Screen
Mishra stated that his production team of four members visited Maheshwar to finalize Monalisa’s role. “I met her father, Jai Singh Bhonsle, and spent over three hours discussing her future in cinema,” he said.
The director, who hails from Mumbai, explained his decision:
“In an era where obscenity dominates, Monalisa’s simplicity captivated audiences and made her an overnight sensation. Her story proves that one doesn’t need to go ‘out of the way’ to achieve greatness.”
A Dream Come True for the Banjara Community
Mishra emphasized his vision to showcase the rich culture of the Banjara community.
“I want to present Monalisa on a global platform and take her culture to greater heights,” he stated.
With this film, Monalisa Bhonsle’s journey from a local fair in Mahakumbh to the silver screen is nothing short of extraordinary.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.