An Indore garland seller’s striking hazel eyes and captivating smile captured a million hearts at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Mona Lisa Bhonsle, the unsuspecting vendor, shot to online fame after a content creator shared a video of hers. But, only days later, she was forced to leave the grand gathering after being harassed and “tortured” by a group of men while she was selling her wares.
A video shows the woman, dressed in a red salwar, trying to escape the crowd approaching her for selfies. One of her family members intervenes, pulling Mona Lisa away to safety, while others try to shield her from men. The video ends with the woman sitting down, covering her face with a dupatta.
The caption read, “People in Kumbh Mela are now torturing her for selfies and disturbing her business. Privacy & mental peace!! Side effects of social media.”
Meeru Manushula manava mrugala??#Monalisa a girl who came from Indore to KumbhMela to sell her garlands has become the latest sensation for her natural beauty and became viral all over social media
People over there are now torturing her for selfies and disturbing her… pic.twitter.com/uGhsiPg3Z5
— Vamc Krishna (@lyf_a_zindagii) January 21, 2025
The video has outraged social media.
The woman, in a video on X, said, “I have to go back to Indore for my family and my safety. If possible, I will be back for the next Maha Kumbh”.
परिवार और अपनी सुरक्षा के लिए मुझे बापस इंदौर जाना पड़ रहा है, हो सका तो अगले साही स्नान तक बापस मिलते हैं, प्रयागराज महाकुंभ में। सभी के सहयोग और प्यार के लिए दिल से धन्यवाद 🙏#Monalisa pic.twitter.com/UiB99uo563
— Monalisa (@monibhosle8) January 23, 2025
An X user commented, “She should charge Rs. 1000 for each selfie. Put a notice that she would sue anyone uses her picture without her consent.”
She should charge Rs. 1000 for each selfie. Put a notice that she would sue anyone uses her picture without her consent.
— Random (@rdm268268) January 21, 2025
“Worst people,” another wrote.
Worst people pic.twitter.com/apxNWQLfr8
— Sanchitha Gowda ???? (@Sanchitha7999) January 22, 2025
Someone said, “Fame can be dangerous. Mona Lisa at the Mahakumbh Mela is an example. Vultures are circling her to bask in her glory, to get a share of that pie. People foresee her future as a model, like the Pakistani “chaiwala” of 2016, and want to ensure they get a share of whatever she would make. SICK!”
Fame can be dangerous. Mona Lisa at the Mahakumbh Mela is an example. Vultures are circling her to bask in her glory, to get a share of that pie. People foresee her future as a model, like the Pakistani “chaiwala” of 2016, and want to ensure they get a share of whatever she would…
— Vivek (@ivivek_nambiar) January 22, 2025
Following the harassment, the woman was sent back home by her father, who claimed Kumbh Mela was no longer a safe place for Mona Lisa to earn a living or maintain her well-being.
Mona Lisa rose to fame when a content creator spotted her selling rudraksha garlands at the mela. Her striking features, particularly her eyes, quickly made her an internet sensation. The surge in popularity has also affected her business, as people approach her for selfies rather than buying garlands from her.
