From garland seller to Bollywood starlet: Indore’s Monalisa Bhosle’s remarkable rise. Monalisa, the captivating young woman who unexpectedly became an internet sensation selling garlands at the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, is trading flower petals for film sets. Her journey, a captivating blend of serendipity and determination, is set to become a cinematic reality. Director Sanoj Mishra, celebrated for his socially conscious films such as The Diary of West Bengal, has cast Bhosle in his highly anticipated upcoming movie, The Diary of Manipur.

Spotted amidst the vibrant chaos of the Kumbh Mela, Monalisa’s innocent beauty and captivating charm quickly captured the hearts of millions online. Her story, a testament to the power of social media, reached director Mishra, who was deeply moved by her resilience and spirit. He saw in her not just a pretty face, but a compelling narrative waiting to be told. Following a phone call to her father, a contract was swiftly signed in Maheshwar, officially marking Bhosle’s entry into the world of Bollywood.

Mishra’s choice is far from arbitrary. Bhosle’s role in The Diary of Manipur will draw upon the very essence of her own life. As Mishra eloquently explains, “Monalisa hails from a humble, nomadic family, making a living by selling garlands. This resonates deeply with her character in the film: the daughter of a retired Manipur army soldier, harbouring a similar unwavering ambition—to join the army herself. The film will delve into the struggles she faces, the obstacles she overcomes, and ultimately, her journey towards fulfilling her dreams.”

To prepare Bhosle for her big-screen debut, Mishra and his team will provide comprehensive acting training, meticulously designed to preserve her natural charm and unassuming demeanour. Mishra stresses the importance of authenticity, stating, “Our focus is to nurture her innate talent, allowing her natural grace and innocence to shine through. We want her performance to be a genuine reflection of her spirit.”

With a substantial budget of ₹20 crore, The Diary of Manipur is poised to be a significant cinematic undertaking, slated to begin filming in February. Mishra’s decision to cast Bhosle carries a profound message, challenging conventional industry norms and preconceived audience expectations.

He firmly asserts, “Success in this industry is not solely defined by physical attributes; acting prowess is paramount. Monalisa possesses the desire, and we will cultivate her skills. If Sunny Leone could redefine perceptions, then surely a girl from a nomadic community can prove that decency and simplicity can also illuminate Bollywood.”

Mishra’s casting choice also serves as a direct response to the pervasive nepotism within the industry. He champions the inclusion of fresh talent, stating emphatically, “My films aren’t about star power; the story itself is the star. Stories like Monalisa’s deserve a platform, and audiences are increasingly receptive to authentic narratives.” Bhosle’s story, therefore, is not just a personal triumph, but a symbol of hope and a challenge to the established order of Bollywood.

Aanand L Rai and Dhanush, the dynamic duo behind the 2013 romantic drama Raanjhanaa, are reuniting for another cinematic masterpiece, Tere Ishk Mein. This highly anticipated film promises a captivating journey into the depths of love, loss, and sacrifice, building upon the emotional resonance of their previous collaboration. The recent release of Kriti Sanon’s first-look video has sent ripples of excitement through the film industry and ignited fervent anticipation among fans.

The video opens with a scene of intense chaos, a whirlwind of war and destruction. Amidst this turmoil, Kriti Sanon’s character emerges, her face etched with a profound sadness, her eyes reflecting the weight of untold burdens. The visual narrative masterfully depicts her descent into despair, culminating in a heart-wrenching moment where she prepares to set herself ablaze. The clip abruptly ends, leaving viewers breathless, desperate to unravel the mysteries that lie ahead.

Adding to the intrigue, a previous teaser featured a powerful voiceover by an unnamed actress, raising poignant questions about the dynamics of love and sacrifice. The line, “Shankar, only boys die in love? Don’t some girls have the courage to sacrifice their lives?”, serves as a compelling prelude to the narrative’s exploration of complex emotional landscapes.

Kriti Sanon’s involvement in the project was previously reported, with insiders revealing her deep admiration for the storyline and the profound depth of her character’s arc. Her portrayal promises a compelling exploration of female resilience and the extraordinary lengths one might go to in the name of love.

Tere Ishk Mein boasts a stellar team behind the scenes. Produced by Aanand L Rai, Himanshu Sharma, Bhushan Kumar, and Krishan Kumar, the film features the iconic A.R. Rahman’s musical score and Irshad Kamil’s soulful lyrics. The screenplay, penned by Himanshu Sharma and Neeraj Yadav, aims to capture the fiery passion and intensity that defined Raanjhanaa, while venturing into uncharted narrative territory.

Following delays due to Dhanush’s prior commitments, principal photography is scheduled to commence in October 2024, with a theatrical release planned for 2025. Presented by T-Series and Colour Yellow Productions, Tere Ishk Mein is poised to be a cinematic triumph, marking another significant collaboration between Rai and Rahman, two titans of the Indian film industry. This promises a powerful and emotionally resonant cinematic experience that will undoubtedly leave audiences spellbound.

Bollywood actors Shreyas Talpade and Alok Nath find themselves embroiled in a significant legal controversy, named as accused in a cheating and breach of trust case registered at the Murthal police station in Sonipat, Haryana.

The First Information Report (FIR), filed on January 22, lists the two prominent actors among thirteen individuals charged under Sections 316 (2), 318 (2), and 318 (4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These charges encompass criminal breach of trust, cheating, and the fraudulent transfer of property.

The complainant, Sonipat resident Vipul Antil, levelled accusations against the Human Welfare Credit Cooperative Society, registered in Indore under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002. Antil alleges that the society, active across multiple states, including Haryana, since September 16th, 2016, lured investors with promises of exorbitant returns on fixed deposits (FDs) and recurring deposits (RDs).

The society employed a multi-level marketing strategy, incentivizing agents to recruit additional investors, creating a pyramid scheme structure that ultimately led to widespread financial losses.

Ajeet Singh, the Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP) in Murthal, confirmed the inclusion of Talpade and Nath’s names in the list of accused, based on statements provided by the complainant. Singh clarified that the primary focus of the investigation remains the alleged fraudulent activities of the cooperative society, and the police are currently working to determine the specific roles, if any, played by Talpade and Nath in the alleged scheme. The investigation will delve into the extent of their involvement and whether they directly benefited from the alleged fraudulent activities.

The case has sent ripples through the Bollywood industry, casting a shadow over the careers of both actors. While the details of their alleged involvement remain under investigation, the allegations raise serious questions about their conduct and potential complicity in a scheme that defrauded numerous investors.

Shreyas Talpade’s most recent cinematic appearance was in Kangana Ranaut’s directorial debut, Emergency, a historical drama set during India’s tumultuous Emergency period from 1975 to 1977. Alok Nath, a veteran Bollywood actor, boasts a prolific career spanning over three decades and encompassing over 300 films, establishing him as a familiar face in Indian cinema. The unfolding investigation will determine the extent of their involvement in this complex financial crime and the consequences they may face.