Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni, who left the film industry in the early 2000s to turn her focus to spirituality, will soon become a Mahamandleshwar in the Kinnar Akhada. The actress, currently in Prayagraj for the auspicious Mauni Amavasya taking place on Wednesday, January 29, performed her own pind daan at Sangam Ghat during the Maha Kumbh on Friday.
VIDEO | Actor Mamta Kulkarni consecrated as a Hindu nun under the Kinnar Akhara. Earlier today, she took 'sanyas' under the Kinnar Akhara by performing her own 'Pind Daan' and will be consecrated as 'mahamandaleshwar'.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 24, 2025
(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/K0pz9ZkpCx
Speaking to ANI, Laxmi Narayan, the Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, said, “Kinnar Akhada is going to make Mamta Kulkarni (former Bollywood actress) a Mahamandleshwar. She is now named Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri. As I am talking here, all the rituals are underway. She has been in touch with Kinnar Akhada and me for the last one and a half years. She is allowed to perform the character of any devotional figure if she wants, as we do not prohibit anyone from performing their art.”
#WATCH | #MahaKumbh2025 | Former actress Mamta Kulkarni performs her 'Pind Daan' at Sangam Ghat in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
— ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2025
Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, Laxmi Narayan said that Kinnar akhada is going to make her a Mahamandleshwar. She has been named as Shri Yamai… pic.twitter.com/J3fpZXOjBb
The actress has been very vocal about her religious journey on social media, adding that she had returned to India to solidify her spirituality. In a prior interview with IANS, the 52-year-old actor said, "The reason for me leaving India was spirituality. In 1996, I got inclined towards spirituality and during that time I met Guru Gagan Giri Maharaj. After his arrival, my interest in spirituality increased following which my penance started. However, I believe that Bollywood gave me a name and also fame. After this, I quit Bollywood too. From the year 2000 to 2012, I kept doing penance. I was in Dubai for many years, where I lived in a two-bedroom flat and remained celibate for 12 years."
Kulkarni has appeared in over 40 films in a career spanning little over a decade. Her best films include Waqt Hamara Hai, Krantiveer, Karan Arjun, Sabse Bada Khiladi and Baazi, having starred alongside big names like Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aamir Khan.
Married to Vicky Goswami in 2013. In 2016, Kulkarni and Goswani were the prime accused in the supply of drugs to a multi-crore drug racket. In August 2024, the Bombay High Court quashed all charges against her citing insufficient evidence.
