Sanoj Mishra, the director who recently made headlines for offering a film to Maha Kumbh sensation Monalisa, has been arrested in Delhi on rape charges. Reports suggest that a young woman from a small town has accused him of repeatedly exploiting her under the false pretense of making her a film star.
According to the victim’s statement to the police, she first came into contact with Sanoj Mishra in 2020 through TikTok and Instagram while residing in Jhansi. Their interactions became frequent, leading to a turning point on June 17, 2021, when Mishra allegedly called her, claiming to be at Jhansi railway station. When she refused to meet him, he reportedly threatened to take his own life if she didn’t come. Fearful of his threats, she agreed to meet him the next day.
On June 18, 2021, Mishra allegedly took her to a resort, where he gave her intoxicants and assaulted her. According to her complaint, he also recorded obscene videos and threatened to leak them if she resisted. The victim further claimed that Mishra continued to exploit her repeatedly, manipulating her with false promises of marriage and film roles.
Prior to this controversy, Sanoj Mishra had been in the spotlight for offering a film role to Monalisa, a young woman who went viral at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. Monalisa, who was seen selling bread at the event, became an overnight internet sensation after her pictures and videos captured widespread attention on social media.
Shortly after her viral moment, reports surfaced that she had received a film offer. A few days later, Sanoj Mishra confirmed that he was casting her in his upcoming project, The Diary of Manipur, and had begun providing her with acting lessons. He was also seen accompanying her to various events.
Mishra has directed several films throughout his career, including Gandhigiri, Ram Ki Janmabhoomi, Lafange Nawab, Dharm Ke Saudagar, and Kashi To Kashmir, among others. However, his latest legal troubles have overshadowed his professional achievements, leaving the industry in shock.
