Kumbh girl Monalisa gets married in Kerala under police protection

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Mahakumbh Mela girl Monalisa Bhosle, who became a celebrity after her videos had gone viral, got married to the man she was in a relationship with for nearly six months at a temple in Poovar in the city on Wednesday.Monalisa, hailing from Indore, reached Thampanoor police station in the morning, seeking protection to marry Farman Khan, an actor who hails from Maharashtra. She told police that they approached them because her family was opposed to their relationship.Also see: Photos: Mahakumbh viral star Monalisa Bhosle chooses Kerala for wedding with actor Farman KhanThe couple later reached the wedding venue at Arumanoor temple in Poovar under police protection. The wedding was held in Kerala style, with the groom wearing a shirt and white dhoti, while Monalisa wore a red saree.The duo had earlier arranged the wedding at the temple before approaching police and seeking protection. The police intervened and reminded her father that, as an adult, she had the right to choose her partner.The two had been shooting for a movie at Poovar. The couple decided to get married as they felt a conducive atmosphere in Kerala, unlike in northern states. Monalisa’s father had accompanied her for the shoot. He had opposed the marriage, forcing the couple to reach out to police.Speaking to reporters, Farman said they decided to get married in Kerala because everyone could live in harmony and there were no divisive thoughts. He added that they planned to settle in Kerala and the people in the state were supportive.General education minister V Sivankutty, who attended the marriage ceremony, said, “This is the real Kerala story where people can live freely.”Besides Sivankutty, CPM state secretary M V Govindan, other politicians and fans took part in the wedding.Monalisa had become famous after her videos and photos of her selling garlands and bangles at Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj went viral. She soon appeared on television and received film offers.