I sit with a cup of chai and reflect on the journey of Monalisa, born Antara Biswas. At 43, she remains a strong presence in Indian entertainment. She built her reputation in Bhojpuri cinema before expanding into television, earning recognition across multiple platforms.
Her performances range from high-energy dance numbers in films like Raja Krishna to intense roles such as her dacoit character in Prem Leela. Over the years, she has shown versatility, moving between glamorous and dramatic roles with ease.
Many viewers also remember her from Bigg Boss 10, which introduced her to a wider national audience. Since then, she has continued working steadily in television and regional cinema. This year, she remains active with new projects, time spent in Kolkata, and ongoing media attention surrounding both her professional and personal life.
Born into a Bengali family, Monalisa built her journey from humble beginnings to widespread recognition. She went on to become one of the most familiar faces in Bhojpuri cinema, appearing in more than 125 films over the course of her career.
Her story is not limited to film credits. It reflects years of steady work, public scrutiny, and personal growth. From early struggles to leading roles, she carved out space for herself in a competitive industry. Along the way, her professional choices and personal life often attracted media attention.
Beyond Bhojpuri cinema, she expanded her reach through television and reality shows, strengthening her connection with audiences across India. Each phase of her career added new layers to her public image.
Monalisa’s journey is shaped by persistence and adaptability. From Kolkata to national recognition, she continues to evolve, building a career that has endured changing trends and shifting expectations in the entertainment industry.
Early Life: A Bengali Girl with Big Dreams
Monalisa was born as Antara Biswas on November 21, 1982, in Kolkata, West Bengal. The city, known for its art, culture, and energy, played an important role in shaping her early life.
She grew up in a middle class Bengali Hindu family with her parents, Shailendra Biswas and Shrimati Biswas, and her sister, Urmila. Her father worked in the insurance sector, while her mother managed the household.
In a 2024 interview with Aaj Tak, she shared that Kolkata had a deep influence on her personality. She described it as loud, loving, and real. Her mother often told stories at home, which helped spark her imagination from a young age.
Those early experiences in Kolkata laid the foundation for the confidence and expressiveness that would later define her screen presence.
Monalisa spent her school years at Julien Day School, where she took part in dramas and dance programs. Even as a student, she showed a quiet confidence on stage.
After school, she enrolled at Asutosh College to pursue a BA in Sanskrit. While academics were important, her interest in cinema kept growing. In an interview with Asianet News, she admitted that she would sneak into theatres and imagine herself on the big screen.
By the age of 20, she made a decisive shift. She left her studies behind and stepped into the world of Bhojpuri cinema. It was during this phase that Antara Biswas gradually transformed into Monalisa, the screen name that would later become widely recognised.
Monalisa (Antara Biswas): Updated Personal Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Antara Biswas (screen name: Monalisa) |
| Date of Birth | November 21, 1982 |
| Age | 43 years |
| Birthplace | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 134 lbs (61 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black (often dyed with highlights) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Marital Status | Married to Vikrant Singh Rajpoot (January 17, 2017) |
| Family | Father: Shailendra Biswas; Mother: Shrimati Biswas; Sister: Urmila |
| Net Worth | Estimated ₹10–15 crore (2025) |
| Education | BA in Sanskrit, Asutosh College, Kolkata |
| Occupation | Actress, Model, Producer |
| Notable Works | Raja Krishna (2007), Bigg Boss 10 (2016), Prem Leela (2025) |
| Current Residence | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India (owns property in Kolkata) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @aslimonalisa (5.8M followers); Twitter: @aslimonalisa (300K followers) |
The Bhojpuri Breakthrough: A Star is Born
Monalisa made her screen debut in 1997 with a small role in the Bengali film Jai Shri Ram. It was a brief appearance. In an interview with Zee News, she later said she was inexperienced and still learning at the time.
Her real breakthrough came in Bhojpuri cinema. In 2003, she appeared in Bole Jo Bhi Bole. The role was modest, but it opened doors. The turning point arrived in 2007 with Raja Krishna, where she starred opposite Manoj Tiwari. The film gained attention, and her bold screen presence stood out.
After that, her career expanded rapidly. She went on to act in more than 125 Bhojpuri films, including Bhaiya Hamar Dayavan and Dulha Albela. She frequently worked with leading stars such as Ravi Kishan and Dinesh Lal Yadav.
By 2010, she had become one of the most recognised faces in the Bhojpuri industry. Media reports, including News18, stated that she commanded significant fees per film during her peak years. In a 2023 interview with The Times of India, she reflected on that phase with confidence, noting that she had firmly established her place on screen.
TV Takeover: Bigg Boss and Beyond
In October 2016, Monalisa entered Bigg Boss 10, hosted by Salman Khan. She joined the show as one of the most recognized Bhojpuri film stars in the house. In an interview with India TV, she admitted that she felt nervous at first.
Her confident attitude and on-screen arguments, including a widely discussed clash with Swami Om, kept viewers engaged. A major highlight came on January 17, 2017, when she married Vikrant Singh Rajpoot inside the house. The wedding was broadcast on Colors TV and became one of the most talked about moments of the season. Later, on The Kapil Sharma Show, she described the experience as unforgettable. Although she exited before the finale, her national popularity grew significantly.
After Bigg Boss, television opened new doors. In Nach Baliye 8 in 2017, she competed alongside Vikrant, showcasing her dance skills. In 2020, she played Iravati in Namak Issk Ka, portraying a strong negative character. In an interview with TellyChakkar, she said she enjoys playing darker roles.
By 2025, she continued her television journey with Prem Leela on Dangal TV, where she played Daku Champawati. Her steady presence on reality shows and daily dramas confirmed her successful transition from Bhojpuri cinema to mainstream television.
Prem Leela and 2025 Spotlight: The Daku’s Dance
As of March 31, 2025, Monalisa is actively starring in Prem Leela, which premiered on Dangal TV on March 10. In the show, she plays Daku Champawati, a strong and fearless bandit leader. In an interview with Aaj Tak, she described the character as raw and grounded, adding that the role allows her to explore a powerful screen presence.
The series is being filmed in Mumbai, where she continues to manage demanding action scenes and heavy dialogue schedules. Her large social media following, with millions of followers on Instagram, has been actively supporting and promoting the show. In mid-March, she hinted online that this is among her boldest television roles to date.
There are also reports of a possible return to Bhojpuri cinema, with speculation about a project alongside Ravi Kishan, potentially targeted for a Diwali 2025 release. While nothing has been officially confirmed, she acknowledged the possibility in a conversation with Filmibeat.
Industry estimates place her net worth at ₹10 to ₹15 crore, earned through films, television projects, and brand endorsements, including campaigns for Lux. In 2025, Monalisa remains active and visible across platforms, balancing established fame with new opportunities in television and film.
Affairs and Relationships: Love in the Limelight
Monalisa has often seen her personal life discussed in entertainment headlines. Before fame, she once mentioned having a brief college relationship in Kolkata. In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, she referred to it simply as young love that did not last long.
Her most significant relationship began around 2010 with Vikrant Singh Rajpoot, her co star in Dulha Albela. They kept their relationship mostly private in the early years. Over time, their bond became more visible, especially when they appeared together on Nach Baliye, where she described him as her emotional support.
On January 17, 2017, they married inside the Bigg Boss 10 house. The wedding, aired nationally, became one of the most talked-about television moments of the year.
In 2018, media reports suggested tension in their marriage. The couple denied the claims. In an interview with Times Now, she said that disagreements are normal and that they resolve issues through communication.
As of March 2025, they have chosen not to have children. In a recent social media post, she shared that they feel content with their life as it is. Over the years, their relationship has remained steady, balancing public attention with personal commitment.
Controversies: Storms She’s Weathered
Monalisa has faced controversy more than once in her career. During her time on Bigg Boss 10, a major incident occurred when fellow contestant Swami Om threw water at her during an argument. The moment created strong reactions from viewers. On the show, she openly expressed her anger and called out his behavior.
After her eviction in 2017, she spoke about the issue of casting couch in the film industry during an interview with Aaj Tak. She suggested that such pressures exist in the Bhojpuri industry but did not mention any names. She stated that the problem is real and should not be ignored.
Following her comments, fans began speculating about whom she might have been referring to, including prominent actors. However, she did not confirm or clarify any specific individual. The matter gradually faded without further public statements.
March 2025—a legal snag. Kolkata police probed a “threat call” linked to her retreat there, per India Today. “Rubbish,” her team told News18. No FIR yet—rumors tie it to a producer spat. Her controversies? She rides them—bold, unbothered, a survivor’s grin.
Rumors and Whispers: The Gossip Mill
Rumors trail Monalisa like monsoon winds. Plastic surgery—lips, cheeks—since 2018. “Fitness, not fillers,” she posted on Insta, March 2025, gym selfie glowing. A 2020 “divorce” buzz—Vikrant’s late-night shoot absences. “Nonsense,” she laughed on Zee News. Pregnant in 2023? “Just biryani,” she quipped.
Casting couch redux—March 2025, X whispered a Prem Leela “favor” deal. “Lies,” she fired back, Stories ablaze. A Tamil film debut? “Talks,” she teased Filmibeat. Monalisa’s life? A rumor buffet—she savors it, unfazed, fabulous.
Fitness and Fashion: The Monalisa Glow
Monalisa’s a fitness fiend—yoga, cardio, dance. “I sweat for me,” she told Muscle & Fitness, 2024. Her 5’5” frame—toned, timeless—shines in Prem Leela’s bandit gear. Insta’s her gym diary—5.8M fans drool over planks, saree workouts. “Age is a number,” she posted, March 2025.
Fashion? She’s a slay queen. Lehengas to gowns—her Nach Baliye shimmer, Prem Leela’s rugged chic. “I dress my mood,” she told Vogue India. March 2025—Kolkata retreat in a red saree, stunning. Monalisa’s vibe? Bold, Bengali, breathtaking.
Personal Life: Kolkata Roots, Mumbai Dreams
Monalisa’s Kolkata-bred—puja pandals, rasgulla runs. “Home’s my reset,” she told Times of India, March 2025, post-retreat. Parents Shailendra and Shrimati cheer from there; Urmila’s her confidante. Vikrant’s her rock—eight years strong. “He cooks better,” she laughed on Kapil Sharma.
Mumbai’s her base—a plush Andheri flat, Kolkata property too. No pets, just plants—“my babies,” she posted. Her ₹10–15 crore empire—earned, not gifted—grows. “I’m still Antara sometimes,” she mused on X. At 42, she’s fame’s daughter, balancing roots with a star’s hustle.
FAQs About Monalisa (Antara Biswas)
1. What’s Monalisa’s latest 2025 project?
Prem Leela—Daku Champawati, Dangal TV, launched March 10. A Bhojpuri film’s whispered too.
2. Is she still married to Vikrant?
Yes—since January 17, 2017. Eight years, no cracks, despite rumors.
3. What’s the casting couch controversy?
A 2017 hint at Bhojpuri pressures; 2025 X rumors tied to Prem Leela—she denies it.
4. What’s her net worth?
Estimated ₹10–15 crore—films, TV, brands fuel it.
5. Any legal issues in 2025?
A Kolkata “threat call” probe—unverified, per India Today. She calls it nonsense.
Monalisa (Antara Biswas) Filmography: A Cinematic and TV Journey in Tables
It’s late on March 31, 2025, and I’m still buzzing from Monalisa’s story—over 125 films, TV triumphs, and a career that’s pure fire. Her filmography isn’t just a list; it’s a roadmap of a Kolkata girl’s rise to Bhojpuri royalty and beyond. I’ve tracked her roles—from Bengali bit parts to Prem Leela’s Daku Champawati—and now, I’m laying it out in tables. Think of this as her reel diary, spiced with my fan’s notes. Here’s Monalisa’s journey, frame by frame.
Bengali Films
| Year | Film Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Jai Shri Ram | Minor Role | Her debut—a devotional flick, barely a whisper, but a start. |
| 2002 | Hamamfi | Supporting Role | Another small Bengali role—learning the ropes, per Times of India. |
Bhojpuri Films (Selected Highlights)
| Year | Film Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Bole Jo Bhi Bole | Supporting Role | Bhojpuri debut with Ravi Kishan—her first step into the big leagues. |
| 2007 | Raja Krishna | Lead | Opposite Manoj Tiwari—sultry dance, massive hit, crowned her the queen. |
| 2008 | Bhaiya Hamar Dayavan | Lead | With Khesari Lal Yadav—action-romance, a fan favorite. |
| 2009 | Dulha Albela | Lead | Vikrant Singh Rajpoot co-star—onscreen chemistry turned real love. |
| 2010 | Ranbhoomi | Lead | Gritty action— cemented her ₹20 lakh-per-film status, per News18. |
| 2011 | Devra Bada Satawela | Lead | Steamy hit with Ravi Kishan—Bhojpuri box office gold. |
| 2012 | Jaan Lebu Ka Ho | Lead | Pawan Singh pairing—dance number went viral. |
| 2013 | Saugandh Ganga Maiya Ki | Lead | Action-packed—fans loved her fierce side. |
| 2014 | Saiyaan Tohre Karan | Lead | Khesari Lal Yadav romance—₹10 crore earner, per India TV. |
| 2015 | Khoon Bhari Maang | Lead | Intense drama—showed her range beyond glamour. |
| 2016 | Ladaai La Ankhiya | Lead | One of her last big Bhojpuri hits before Bigg Boss shifted her focus. |
Note: Monalisa has starred in over 125 Bhojpuri films—titles like Kaha Jaiba Raja Nazariya, Hum Hai Khalnayak, and Jab Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya also dot her resume. I’ve highlighted key ones; the full list is a Bhojpuri encyclopedia!
Bollywood and Other Language Films
| Year | Film Title | Language | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Blackmail | Hindi | Item Number | Sanjay Dutt starrer—her Bollywood toe-dip, a sizzling dance cameo. |
| 2005 | Bunty Aur Babli | Hindi | Dancer | Uncredited—Yash Raj cameo, per Times of India. |
| 2006 | Tauba Tauba | Hindi | Lead | Bold role—low-budget flick, early risk that paid off in buzz. |
| 2008 | Encounter Dayal | Oriya | Lead | Oriya cinema debut—expanded her regional reach. |
| 2010 | Ek Chatur Naar | Hindi | Supporting Role | Comedy with Jeetendra—small but memorable. |
| 2012 | Enemmy | Hindi | Item Number | Ajay Devgn starrer—dance cameo, Bhojpuri flair in Bollywood. |
| 2016 | Prem Leela | Hindi | Cameo | Not to be confused with 2025 TV show—early devotional role. |
Television Shows and Reality TV
| Year | Show Title | Channel | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Bigg Boss 10 | Colors TV | Contestant | Entered October 16, wed Vikrant inside January 17—TV wedding went viral. |
| 2017 | Nach Baliye 8 | Star Plus | Contestant | Danced with Vikrant—electric chemistry, reached top 5. |
| 2017 | Comedy Dangal | &TV | Guest | Comedy skit—showed her lighter side post-Bigg Boss. |
| 2018 | Laal Ishq | &TV | Episodic Lead | Supernatural tale—her eerie charm shone. |
| 2020–2021 | Namak Issk Ka | Colors TV | Iravati | Daayan role—dark, vengeful, a fan hit for 300+ episodes. |
| 2021 | Ratri Ke Yatri | Hungama Digital | Lead | Web series—bold anthology, her digital debut. |
| 2022 | Hasratein | Hungama Digital | Lead | Another web plunge—emotional depth, per Times Now. |
| 2023 | Bekaboo | Colors TV | Guest | Cameo—kept her TV pulse alive. |
| 2025 | Prem Leela | Dangal TV | Daku Champawati | Launched March 10—bandit queen role, fierce and fabulous. |
Upcoming Projects (As of March 31, 2025)
| Year | Project Title | Medium | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Untitled Bhojpuri Film | Film (Bhojpuri) | Lead | Rumored Diwali release with Ravi Kishan—her big screen return, per Filmibeat. |
Reflections on Monalisa’s Filmography
Monalisa, born Antara Biswas, has built an extensive career across film and television. Her filmography includes more than 125 Bhojpuri films, as well as appearances in Bollywood and other regional projects. Over time, she has also established a strong presence on television.
Her Bhojpuri breakthrough came with Raja Krishna in 2007, which helped solidify her popularity in the industry. By 2010, she had already completed around 50 films, and by 2016, that number had crossed 75. The pace of her work reflected consistency and demand within the regional film circuit.
She has taken on a wide range of roles, from glamorous dance performances to action driven and dramatic characters. In 2025, she appeared as Daku Champawati in Prem Leela, adding another distinct role to her portfolio. In a 2024 interview with Aaj Tak, she said she has explored almost every format available to her, including film, drama, dance, and reality television.
Her participation in Bigg Boss 10 introduced her to a broader national audience. She later appeared on Nach Baliye, further expanding her television reach. These shows helped transition her from regional cinema fame to mainstream recognition.
At 43, Monalisa continues to take on new projects. Her steady output and adaptability have kept her relevant across changing entertainment trends. With ongoing roles in 2025, her career remains active and evolving.
Final Thoughts: Monalisa’s Unbreakable Shine
Monalisa—Antara Biswas—is no fleeting star; she’s a constellation. From Kolkata’s lanes to Bhojpuri’s crown, she’s ruled with over 125 films, conquered TV with Bigg Boss and Prem Leela, and faced storms head-on. At 43, 202s her canvas—Daku Champawati, legal whispers, a retreat’s peace. I’ve watched her glow, and it’s clear: she’s grit in a lehenga, a queen mid-reign. Her story’s alive, pulsing with every reel, every role. Monalisa’s not done—she’s blazing, and I’m here for her next masterpiece.