Thiruvananthapuram: Monalisa Bhosle, who gained worldwide attention through her social media pictures from the Maha Kumbh Mela, has married her boyfriend, Mohammed Farman, in Kerala. The couple said they chose Kerala as a safe place to solemnise their relationship after facing strong opposition from their families and hometown communities over their love. The wedding took place at a mandir in the Thiruvananthapuram district in the presence of several prominent political leaders.
The ceremony was conducted with the blessings of leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), drawing significant public attention and debate. Among those present at the ceremony were Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty, CPI(M) State Secretary M. V. Govindan, CPI(M) District Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP A. A. Rahim, and other party leaders. The leaders publicly extended their support to the couple and described the marriage as an example of social harmony.
Kerala as a “safe haven for love”
Speaking at the ceremony, M. V. Govindan said the marriage symbolised the spirit of humanity that transcends religious boundaries. According to him, the union reflected Kerala’s commitment to respecting human dignity and interfaith relationships.
“Different religions ultimately stand for humanity. This marriage demonstrates Kerala’s commitment to upholding that human value,” Govindan said. Rajya Sabha MP A. A. Rahim also addressed the media and highlighted Kerala’s reputation as a place where people can exercise their constitutional rights without fear. “Kerala is a place of human harmony. People of any religion have the right to marry in this country. It is a right guaranteed by the Constitution. Unfortunately, this freedom is not possible in many places. Kerala is the only state in India where such a marriage can take place without fear. Marriage is said to be made in heaven. Yes, that heaven is Kerala,” Rahim said.
Monalisa Bhosle is a native of Indore in Madhya Pradesh, while Mohammed Farman Khan hails from Maharashtra. According to reports, the two had been in a relationship for nearly 1.5 years. Their friendship reportedly began through Facebook and gradually developed into a romantic relationship.
However, their relationship faced strong resistance from Monalisa’s family as both of them are from entirely different religions. Monalisa’s family is also said to have found another boy for her.
Controversy over age
The controversy surrounding the marriage intensified due to questions regarding Monalisa’s age. In reports on the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela published in July and August last year, Monalisa’s age was listed as 16.
On the Facebook page under the name Monalisa Bhosle, March 5 is listed as her birthday. Based on several media reports, her age is believed to be around 17 as of March 2026. Under Indian law, the legal marriageable age for women is 18 years, while for men it is 21 years. If the reports regarding her age are accurate, the marriage could raise legal questions regarding the possibility of it being a minor marriage.
This has led to criticism and allegations that senior CPI(M) leaders who attended the ceremony, including Education Minister V. Sivankutty, State Secretary MV Govindan, and Rajya Sabha MP AA Rahim, were present at and supported a wedding that may have involved a minor.
The issue has triggered debate on social media and in political circles, with critics questioning the circumstances under which the marriage took place and whether the legal requirements regarding age were properly verified.
