Kumbh Mela fame Monalisa Bhosle defends interfaith marriage with actor Farman Khan in Kerala, rejects ‘love jihad’ claims

Monalisa Bhosle, who shot to nationwide fame after her appearance at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, on Thursday (March 12, 2026) defended her interfaith marriage to actor Farman Khan. The Indore native also dismissed allegations of ‘love jihad’ and asserted that neither of them had converted their religion.

Addressing the media in Thiruvananthapuram, Ms. Bhosle said the decision to marry Mr. Khan was entirely her own and that she had insisted on the marriage despite initial hesitation from him. “My parents wanted me to marry my own aunt’s son, but I did not like that match. I chose to marry him (Mr. Khan),” she said.

She added that her father had travelled with her to Kerala, but did not attend the ceremony and was still upset about the decision. “He came here with me, but he is a little angry now. We will try to convince him later,” she said.

Rejects reports of being underage

Mr. Khan, who hails from Baghpat district in Uttar Pradesh, rejected claims that circulated in sections of the media, particularly in northern India media outlets, that the marriage involved religious conversion or that the bride was underage. “Neither of us has changed our religion. She remains Hindu and I remain Muslim. In love, conversion is not necessary,” he said.

The couple said the wedding was conducted according to Hindu rituals in a temple at Ms. Bhosle’s request. “I agreed to follow the rituals the way Monalisa wanted because I want her happiness,” Mr. Khan said, adding that they “respect all religions equally.”

He also produced documents, including Ms. Bhosle’s Aadhaar card and birth certificate, to refute claims that she was a minor. “She is an adult and the marriage was legally registered through the Kerala government’s K-SMART app,” he said.

According to the couple, the registration process took about an hour and they also received certificates from the local temple and the Poovar panchayat.

They said they first met about six months ago during the ‘muhurat’ ceremony of a Malayalam film titled Nagamma, directed by P. Binu Varghese, in which Mr. Khan plays the lead antagonist while Ms. Bhosle was cast as the heroine.

‘Overwhelmed by support in Kerala’

The couple said they were overwhelmed by the support they received in Kerala and may consider settling in the State. “Kerala is very good and the people here are very supportive. If Monalisa likes it here, we may continue to stay,” Mr. Khan said.

They also thanked several political leaders and guests who attended the wedding, including Kerala General Education Minister V. Sivankutty, CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan and CPI(M) district secretary A.A. Rahim, MP, for their presence and blessings at the ceremony.