90s Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni recently made headlines when she was bestowed with the title of Mahamandaleshwar by the Kinnar Akhara during Mahakumbh 2025. However, her elevation to this esteemed spiritual position sparked controversy among the saints and the Kinnar Akhara itself. This internal discord led the Akhara’s founder, Rishi Ajay Das, to expel both Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi and Mamta Kulkarni from the Akhara. Surprisingly, Mamta was stripped of her title just seven days after receiving it. Following her removal, a viral video surfaced showing her responding to questions on Vedas and scriptures, leaving many astonished with her answers.
Mamta Kulkarni: A Bollywood Icon of the 90s
Mamta Kulkarni was a well-known Bollywood actress in the 90s, featuring in numerous hit films. She gained fame for her performances in movies like Karan Arjun (1995), Baazi (1995), and China Gate (1998). Renowned for her glamorous on-screen presence, Mamta was one of the leading actresses of her time and captivated audiences with her acting prowess.
Mamta Kulkarni’s Transition to Spirituality
The news of Mamta Kulkarni embracing a spiritual path and taking sanyaas shocked many. Her appointment as Mahamandaleshwar during Mahakumbh raised several questions and skepticism among saints and religious scholars. Doubts emerged about whether she had genuinely renounced worldly pleasures or if this was merely a facade. Questions arose: Did Mamta Kulkarni truly attain the knowledge of scriptures? Has she undergone rigorous penance? Was her transformation authentic, or just a spectacle?
Mamta Kulkarni’s Response to Allegations
In an attempt to address these controversies, Mamta Kulkarni appeared on India TV’s renowned show Aap Ki Adalat, where she faced a barrage of tough questions from host Rajat Sharma. The show’s promo clips, currently making rounds on social media, have intensified discussions about her spiritual journey. During the interview, Mamta firmly stated that she has no intentions of returning to Bollywood, calling it an ‘impossible’ prospect.
“I can’t even imagine working in films again. Now, it is absolutely impossible for me,” Mamta said, emphasizing her complete detachment from the entertainment industry.
The Viral Video Controversy
A video clip from her interview has been going viral, capturing a moment when Mamta was questioned about Vedic knowledge after taking sanyaas. She sat cross-legged, closed her eyes, and began chanting mantras. However, keen observers pointed out inaccuracies in her chant, leading to criticism and trolling from social media users. This incident has further fueled debates about her credibility as a spiritual leader and whether she genuinely possesses deep scriptural knowledge.
Despite the controversies surrounding her spiritual transition, Mamta Kulkarni continues to remain in the limelight, with her journey from Bollywood stardom to religious pursuits captivating public attention.