From Monalisa at Kumbh Mela to Kerala's own ‘Unnyettan’: Social media stars who won hearts worldwide

The social media spotlight never ceases to shine with the latest sensation Monalisa Bhonsle, a 16-year-old who made waves at the Maha Kumbh Mela. Her beauty and charm captivated the internet, turning her into an overnight sensation. Hailing from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Monalisa accompanied her parents and two sisters to Prayagraj’s grand festival to sell necklaces. As her popularity soared, with everyone flocking to her stall, Monalisa wrapped up her sales and returned home.
This is not the first time social media has catapulted everyday individuals into fame. From singing sensations to quirky personalities, many have gone viral in similar fashion.

The tale of Ranu Mondal

Ranu Mondal became a household name when a video of her singing Lata Mangeshkar's classic Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai at the Ranaghat Railway Station in West Bengal went viral. Her soulful rendition captured hearts across social media. Music composer Himesh Reshammiya offered her a chance to sing for his film, reintroducing her with the revamped version of a track from 36 China Town. While fame brought her new opportunities, Ranu’s interactions with fans sometimes drew criticism, like the infamous selfie incident that sparked controversy. Reports later suggested she returned to her old home, struggling financially after her brief stint in the limelight.

Bhuban Badyakar’s “kacha badam” magic

Bhuban Badyakar, a peanut seller from West Bengal, struck gold with his catchy jingle Kacha Badam, which he used to attract customers. When Bengali artist Neel Bhattacharya shared a video of Bhuban’s performance, it exploded across the internet, racking up 30 million views within days. Bhuban found himself flooded with offers, from singing gigs to a role in a Bengali TV serial. However, reports suggest financial disputes clouded some of these opportunities.

“So elegant, so beautiful”: Jasmeen Kaur’s viral charm

Jasmeen Kaur, a boutique owner from Delhi’s Fateh Nagar, became an internet darling with a simple yet iconic phrase: "So beautiful, so elegant, just looking like a wow." Her enthusiastic descriptions of salwar suits in Instagram videos captivated audiences, making her a trendsetter. Bollywood celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra joined the fun, creating reels with her viral dialogue. Even cricket broadcasts picked up the trend, with commentary weaving in the catchphrase during India-Sri Lanka matches.

Kili Paul: Tanzania’s lip-sync king and Kerala’s beloved ‘Unniyettan’

Kili Paul from Tanzania stole Indian hearts with his impeccable lip-syncing skills, initially performing Bollywood songs and later venturing into Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, Bhojpuri and Malayalam hits. His rendition of Malayalam classics like Karutha Penne and Jeevamshamayi earned him the nickname ‘Unniyettan’ among Malayalis. Sporting traditional Maasai attire in his videos, Kili became a global sensation, gaining millions of followers. His journey even earned him recognition from the Indian High Commission in Tanzania and a guest appearance on Bigg Boss.

In Kili’s own words, “Indians are amazing people. They support you if you’re good, no matter who you are or where you come from. My dream is to give them my best.”

The power of social media

From the dusty stalls of Kumbh Mela to railway stations and boutique shops, social media continues to transform lives, bringing hidden talents into the limelight and connecting the world in the most unexpected ways. Whether it’s a peanut seller, a boutique owner, or a young girl at a mela, fame truly is just a click away.