Underage rumours: Viral star Monalisa speaks out; opens up on finding love in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Monalisa Bhonsle, the young woman who gained fame at last year’s Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, on Thursday dismissed reports claiming she was underage, saying the rumours were “fake and incorrect.”

The actress made the statement a day after marrying a man of her choice at Nainar Temple in Arumanoor, Poovar, Kerala.

"I am 18-years-old," Bhonsle told reporters.

Her husband reinforced the statement, emphasising that their marriage was legally registered.

"She is above 18 years of age. Otherwise, how would our registered marriage be possible. All the news regarding her being underage are fake and incorrect. Please do not believe that," he said. Bhonsle also described such reports as "fake and incorrect."

Couple open up about life in Kerala and films

When asked if they planned to continue living in Kerala, the husband said the decision would depend on his wife.

Bhonsle expressed her fondness for the state. "I like Kerala and want to stay in the state," she said.

She also provided an update on her film projects, noting that the shooting of one movie had concluded, while another was ongoing. Her husband added that filming for a further project had not yet started.

The couple revealed that they met six months ago while being cast in a movie, and “fell in love” during the process.

Wedding witnessed by top Kerala leaders amid family disputes

The wedding took place on Wednesday at Nainar Temple, with prominent Marxist leaders in attendance, including Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty, CPM state secretary M V Govindan, and Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim.

Bhonsle had previously said her family disapproved of their relationship and pressured her to marry someone else. On the day of their marriage, the couple approached Thampanoor police station, alleging that her father was attempting to forcibly take her back to her hometown.

The couple had recently arrived in Poovar for a film shoot.

Monalisa Bhonsle, originally from Indore, first came into the public eye when a video of her selling rudraksh garlands at Prayagraj Kumbh Mela went viral last year, attracting widespread attention for her captivating smile and striking eyes.