Antara Biswas, better known by her stage name Monalisa, is a versatile actress who has made a significant mark in Indian cinema, particularly in the Bhojpuri film industry. With a career spanning over two decades, she has earned recognition for her dynamic acting, dance prowess, and her ability to connect with audiences across different languages and regions. Monalisa’s journey from a young aspirant to one of the most popular faces in regional cinema is a testament to her hard work, talent, and resilience.
This article explores Antara Biswas’s life, career, and impact on the entertainment industry, shedding light on her contributions and her rise to stardom.
Here’s the personal information of Antara Biswas (Mona Lisa), presented in a table:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Antara Biswas (Stage name: Mona Lisa) |
| Date of Birth | October 21, 1984 |
| Place of Birth | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 2000 – Present |
| Languages Known | Hindi, Bhojpuri, Bengali, Odia, Tamil |
| Famous For | Bhojpuri cinema, Bigg Boss 10, Item songs |
| Notable TV Appearance | Bigg Boss 10 (2016) |
| Breakthrough Role | Bhojpuri films like Bhojpuriya Raja |
| Marital Status | Married (to actor Vikrant Singh Rajpoot) |
| Social Media | Active on Instagram and Twitter |
Career Highlights:
- Bhojpuri Films: Known as a top actress in the Bhojpuri film industry, with roles in popular films like Bhojpuriya Raja and Devra Bada Satawela.
- Television: Gained fame after participating in Bigg Boss 10.
- Item Songs: Featured in many popular item songs across Hindi and regional films.
Early Life and Education
Antara Biswas was born on November 21, 1982, in Kolkata, West Bengal, into a Bengali family. She grew up in the culturally vibrant city of Kolkata, which significantly influenced her artistic inclinations. From an early age, she showed an interest in performing arts, especially dance and acting.
She completed her education at Julien Day School, followed by a degree in Sanskrit from Ashutosh College, University of Calcutta. Despite her academic achievements, Antara was drawn to the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world, a path she decided to pursue with determination.
Entry into the Entertainment Industry
Antara began her career in the entertainment industry as a model and television actress in Bengali serials. However, her big break came when she transitioned to films. She started her cinematic journey with Bengali films but soon expanded her horizons to other regional film industries, including Oriya, Hindi, Tamil, and Kannada.
To create a distinct identity in the industry, Antara adopted the stage name Monalisa, under which she became widely recognized.
Bhojpuri Cinema:
| Year | Name of Title | Role | Remarks | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Bhole Shankar | |||
| Khatailal Mithailal | ||||
| Kaha Jaiba Raja Najariya Ladaike | ||||
| Tu Babua Hamaar | ||||
| Shrimaan Driver Babu | ||||
| 2009 | Ho Gaini Deewana Tohra Pyar Me | |||
| Kahan Jaiba Raja Nazariya Ladai Ke | ||||
| Hum Bahubali | Radhika | |||
| Dulha Albela | Dulhan | |||
| Ranbhoomi | ||||
| Pratigya | Dancer | Special appearance in song “Lehariya Luta Ae Raja” | ||
| Hum Hai Khalnayak | ||||
| Sindur Daan | ||||
| Jade Mein Balma Pyara Lage | ||||
| Sahar Wali Jaan Mareli | ||||
| 2010 | Ek Aur Kurukshetra | |||
| Tu Jaan Hau Hamaar | ||||
| Dharmatma | ||||
| Nathuniya Pe Goli Maare | ||||
| Bhojpuriya Don | Don’s lover | |||
| Rangbaz Daroga | Aanchal | |||
| Nainihal | ||||
| Saat Saheliyan | Mona | |||
| Devra Bada Satawela | Mona | |||
| Mrityunjay | Special appearance | |||
| Loafer | ||||
| Kanoon Hamra Mutthi Mein | ||||
| Daraar | ||||
| 2011 | Mora Balma Chail Chabila | |||
| Apne Begaane | ||||
| Aakhri Rasta | Bindu | |||
| Barood | ||||
| The Great Hero Hiralal | Hiralal’s lover | |||
| Gundairaj | ||||
| Ladaai La Ankhiyan Ae Lounde Raja | ||||
| Kartavya | ||||
| Hamaar Devdas | Paro | |||
| 2012 | Bhaiya Hamar Dayavan | |||
| Mehraru Bina Ratiya Kaise Kati | ||||
| Dacait | ||||
| Khuddar | Sunita | |||
| Naagin | ||||
| Khoon Pasina | Rama | |||
| Elan E Jung | ||||
| 2013 | Bhaiya Hamar Dayavan | |||
| Rang De Pyar Ke Rang Mein | ||||
| Jaan Lebu Ka Ho | ||||
| Banaraswali | ||||
| Pratibandh | ||||
| Desh Pardesh | ||||
| Kasam Wardi Ke | ||||
| Biwi No. 1 | ||||
| Lagal Sanheiya Ke Dor | ||||
| Saala Main To Sahib Ban Gaya | ||||
| Ziddi Aashiq | ||||
| Saawariyan Tose Laagi Kaisi Lagan | ||||
| Mati Preet Jagawale | ||||
| Zanzeer | ||||
| Ishq Ka Manjan Ghise Hai Piya | ||||
| Gumrah | ||||
| Ijjat | ||||
| Chhamia Bhelwali | ||||
| Jeevan Yudhh | ||||
| Saiyan Bhailan Pardesiyaa | ||||
| Jodi No. 1 | ||||
| Ghulam | ||||
| Mita Deb Raavanraaj | ||||
| Budhwa Tamtamwala | ||||
| Lagal Ba Pyar Ke Bukhar | ||||
| Tulsi Bin Suna Anganwa | Tulsi | |||
| Ganga Putra | ||||
| Chedi Ganga Kinarewala | ||||
| Natawar Lal | ||||
| Ek Nihattha | ||||
| 2014 | Devra Bhail Deewana | Mona | ||
| Khoon Bhari Hamaar Maang | Mona | |||
| Adalat | ||||
| Tere Naam | ||||
| Kare La Kamaal Dharti Ke Laal | ||||
| 2015 | Raja Babu | Dolly Singh | ||
| Prem Leela | ||||
| Saiyan Toofani | ||||
| Suhag | ||||
| Rakhtbhoomi | ||||
| 2017 | Sarkar Raj | |||
| Jai Shree Ram | ||||
| Pawan Raja | Mona | |||
| 2018 | Jeena Marna Tere Sang | Sita | ||
| Dulhan Chahi Pakistan Se 2 | Dancer | Special appearance in song “Susuk Susuk Ke Royi Thi” | ||
| Dabangg Mora Balma | ||||
| Mafia |
Monalisa’s foray into the Bhojpuri film industry proved to be a turning point in her career. She quickly rose to fame and became one of the most sought-after actresses in Bhojpuri cinema. Known for her captivating screen presence and exceptional dancing skills, Monalisa became a favorite among audiences.
Notable Films
Monalisa has acted in over 125 Bhojpuri films, showcasing her versatility and ability to adapt to different roles. Some of her most notable films include:
- “Dulhan Chahi Pakistan Se”: A blockbuster that highlighted her acting and dancing talents.
- “Rakhwala”: Her performance in this action-packed drama won her accolades.
- “Saiyaan Ji Dagabaaz”: A romantic drama where her chemistry with the lead actor was widely appreciated.
Her collaborations with leading actors like Ravi Kishan, Nirahua (Dinesh Lal Yadav), and Pawan Singh further solidified her position in the Bhojpuri film industry.
Versatility Across Genres and Languages
While Monalisa gained immense popularity in Bhojpuri cinema, she has also worked in films across various languages. Her versatility as an actress allowed her to take on diverse roles, ranging from intense dramas to light-hearted comedies.
Bollywood and Regional Films
Monalisa has appeared in Hindi films like Blackmail (2005), Tauba Tauba (2004), and Bunty Aur Babli (2005) in supporting roles. She also explored regional cinema, working in Tamil, Kannada, and Oriya films. These projects showcased her ability to transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries, appealing to audiences across India.
| Year | Title | Role | Language | Remarks | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Jayate | Aarti | Hindi | ||
| 1998 | Hamam fi Amsterdam | Odia | |||
| 1999 | Jai Sriram | Rima Das | |||
| 2001 | Daman: A Victim of Marital Violence | Dancer | Hindi | Special appearance in song | |
| 2002 | Wrong Number | Odia | |||
| 2003 | Top Somrat | Bengali | Bangladeshi film | ||
| 2004 | Adhikar | ||||
| Tauba Tauba | Rubina | Hindi | |||
| Ab Bas! | Special appearance | ||||
| 2005 | Ek Hi Bhool | Tanvi | |||
| Jalwa: Fun in Love | Manisha Tripathi / Tanya “Chinky” | ||||
| 2005 | Bunty Aur Babli | Dancer | Special appearance in song “Bunty Aur Babli” | ||
| Blackmail | Dancer | ||||
| Bobby: Love and Lust | Bobby D’Costa | ||||
| 2006 | Jackpot | Laila | Kannada | ||
| Half Fry Hyderabadi | Hindi | ||||
| 2007 | Love Guru | ||||
| Kaafila | Niharika | ||||
| Jagadam | Dancer | Telugu | Special appearance in song “36-24-36” | ||
| 2008 | Encounter Dayanayak | Kannada | |||
| Money Hai Toh Honey Hai | Manish Sarraf’s wife | Hindi | |||
| Vathiyar | Tamil | Cameo appearance | |||
| Nagaram | Telugu | ||||
| Silambattam | Herself | Tamil | Cameo appearance | ||
| 2009 | Boni | Dancer | Telugu | Special appearance in song | |
| 2010 | To The London Calling | Sonia / Urvashi | Hindi | ||
| Ek Chatur Naar | |||||
| Royal Utsav | |||||
| Hamilton Palace | |||||
| Khoobsurat – The Beauty | |||||
| Meri Life Mein Uski Wife | Dipal | ||||
| 2011 | Khubsurat Naukrani | ||||
| Bablu | Telugu | ||||
| Kadhalukku Maranamillai | Tamil | ||||
| 2012 | En Peyar Kumarasamy | ||||
| 2016 | Saugandh Chee Maa Baap Na | Kajal | Gujarati |
Television Projects
Monalisa transitioned to television with remarkable success. She gained national recognition as a contestant on the popular reality show Bigg Boss 10 in 2016-2017. Her candid and relatable personality won the hearts of viewers, making her a household name.
Post-Bigg Boss, Monalisa took on the role of Mohana, a menacing yet captivating antagonist, in the supernatural television series Nazar (2018-2020). Her performance received widespread acclaim and showcased her ability to excel in diverse roles on the small screen.
Acting Style and Strengths
Monalisa’s acting style is characterized by her expressive face, natural charm, and dynamic presence. Her ability to connect with audiences, whether through intense emotional scenes or high-energy dance numbers, has been a hallmark of her career.
Dance as a Forte
Monalisa’s dance performances are one of her biggest strengths. Her energetic and graceful moves, coupled with her natural flair for rhythm, have made her a favorite in the Bhojpuri film industry, where song-and-dance sequences are a major attraction.
Adaptability
One of Monalisa’s key strengths is her adaptability. Whether it’s portraying a village belle in Bhojpuri films, a glamorous diva in Hindi cinema, or a supernatural villain on television, she effortlessly transitions between roles, leaving a lasting impact.
Personal Life
In 2017, Monalisa married her long-time boyfriend, Vikrant Singh Rajpoot, on national television during her stint in Bigg Boss 10. Their wedding was a much-publicized event and received immense love from fans.
Monalisa often shares glimpses of her personal life on social media, where she remains active and engages with her followers. Her posts about her travels, fitness routines, and professional projects showcase her vibrant personality and zest for life.
Challenges and Resilience
Like many actors in the entertainment industry, Monalisa faced her share of challenges, including the pressure of sustaining a career in a competitive field. However, her determination, hard work, and ability to reinvent herself have allowed her to remain relevant over the years.
Her decision to explore opportunities beyond films, such as reality television and daily soaps, reflects her resilience and willingness to embrace new challenges.
Impact and Legacy
Monalisa’s journey from a small-town girl with big dreams to a celebrated actress is an inspiring story of perseverance and passion. She has played a significant role in popularizing Bhojpuri cinema and has helped bring regional films to a broader audience.
Her success has also paved the way for other actresses to explore opportunities in regional cinema, breaking stereotypes and proving that talent knows no boundaries.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Monalisa has received several accolades for her performances. While her contributions to Bhojpuri cinema have been widely recognized, her work in television has also earned her praise from critics and audiences alike.
Future Prospects
With her talent, versatility, and growing popularity, Monalisa’s future in the entertainment industry looks bright. She continues to explore diverse roles across mediums, from television to digital platforms, ensuring that her presence remains impactful and relevant.
Her potential to take on more challenging roles in mainstream Bollywood and web series further expands her horizons as an artist.
Conclusion
Antara Biswas, aka Monalisa, is a shining example of how passion and perseverance can lead to success in the entertainment industry. From her early days in Bengali films to becoming a celebrated name in Bhojpuri cinema and a household favorite through television, Monalisa’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Her ability to connect with audiences across languages and mediums reflects her versatility and dedication to her craft. As she continues to evolve as an actress, Monalisa remains a beloved figure in Indian entertainment, with a legacy that will inspire future generations of performers.
