Director Sanoj Mishra Hits Back at Producer’s Allegations, Calls Accuser a Criminal; Monalisa Supports Him in Video Statement

Mumbai, February 18 – A heated controversy has erupted in the film industry as director Sanoj Mishra fiercely defended himself against allegations made by film producer Jitendra Narayan Singh, also known as Wasim Rizvi. Rizvi claimed that viral sensation Monalisa, who gained fame at the Mahakumbh, has fallen into a trap orchestrated by Mishra. He accused the director of misleading Monalisa and her family. In response, both Sanoj Mishra and Monalisa have addressed these claims, dismissing them as baseless.

Sanoj Mishra did not hold back, stating that Wasim Rizvi is trying to malign his reputation with false accusations. He recalled an alleged past incident, claiming, “This is the same man who tried to take my life during the release of my film ‘Diary of West Bengal.’ I don’t even want to take his name because he has no credibility. He has numerous criminal cases against him. He converted from Muslim to Hindu but has only brought disrepute to both communities. He himself is an accused rapist, and yet he is pointing fingers at me.”

Mishra further defended his stance, saying, “Bollywood is filled with nepotism and favoritism. If I am giving a girl a platform to showcase her talent, how is that a crime? I love cinema, and Monalisa is just 15 and a half years old—she is like a daughter to me. My own daughter is 18. These false accusations are an attempt to tarnish my image.”

To counter the rumors, Monalisa released a video statement, shared by the film’s publicist Sanjay Bhushan Patiala. In the video, she refuted Rizvi’s claims, stating, “I have not even been to Mumbai yet. I am in my home in Madhya Pradesh, staying with my family and sister while preparing for my acting career. Sanoj Mishra is a wonderful person and treats me like his own daughter. The rumors being spread about him are completely false. He is a highly respectable man.”

The controversy has emerged ever since Sanoj Mishra signed Monalisa for his upcoming film ‘The Diary of Manipur’, following her viral fame at the Mahakumbh. The film is expected to start shooting next month, but before that, Mishra wants to ensure that Monalisa receives proper acting training.

Produced under the Sanoj Mishra Films banner, the film is written, directed, and produced by Sanoj Mishra. Sanjay Bhushan Patiala, Yameen Khan, and Javed Devariavale are co-producers. Alongside Monalisa, the film will star Amit Rao and Deepak Sutha, while the selection of other cast members is still underway.

This dispute has stirred significant debate within the industry, highlighting the dark side of allegations and counter-allegations in Bollywood. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are now on ‘The Diary of Manipur’ and how this controversy will impact its production and reception.