Monalisa from Maheshwar, who gained fame during the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, is currently pursuing acting training. Meanwhile, director Sanoj Mishra, who is helming a film based on her life, has found himself embroiled in controversy. Wasim Rizvi alleged Sanoj Mishra of women exploitation The controversy erupted when Wasim Rizvi (now known as Jitendra Tyagi), producer of Mishra's previous film, leveled serious allegations against the director. Rizvi accused Sanoj Mishra of alcoholism and claimed he has a history of exploiting young women, suggesting that his involvement with Monalisa, a tribal girl, could be similarly motivated. 'I've taken a professional risk by casting Monalisa' In an exclusive interview with Dainik Bhaskar, Sanoj Mishra defended himself, stating, "I've taken a significant professional risk by casting Monalisa in my film. Her failure would reflect directly on me. Why would I want to jeopardize her career or well-being?" 'Rizvi took my money and ran away' On Wasim Rizvi's allegations, Sanoj said "I made a film "The Diary of West Bengal" a year ago. Wasim Rizvi was my partner in this film. Despite being in partnership, Rizvi made all the deals related to the film by himself. After this, he took whatever money he got from selling the picture and ran away." "I have gone to court regarding this matter. I am exposing Wasim Rizvi that he has accepted Sanatan Hindu religion to hide his crimes. This is what bothers him. Why you chose Monalisa for your new film? In Bollywood, the rich star kids get the opportunities. Monalisa is a girl who suddenly went viral at Kumbh because of her eyes. After a few days, she had to leave Kumbh. Overnight, her source of income was taken away. That's when I thought I would make a Bollywood movie on Monalisa. This will send a message to economically deprived society and exploited class that a girl from their community can also achieve something."
I had started the film's casting three months before casting Monalisa. For the character that Monalisa is playing, I had signed a South Indian actress. She is beautiful, but her face didn't reflect poverty, so I cast Monalisa. 'Monalisa's failure will be my failure' 'I have a lot of expectations from Monalisa. This is a very big task. I have taken a risk. Monalisa's failure will be my failure. I have no option but to succeed. I'm not thinking anything negative. Monalisa's family is very protective of her. Family members accompany her wherever she goes.Original Article by Dainik Bhaskar