Mamta Kulkarni, the most celebrated actress of the 90s, has yet again made news this time not for a role in a film, but for her spiritual path. The actress was recently seen at the airport, where she spoke to the media and shared her short but contentious tenure as Mahamandaleshwar by the Kinnar Akhara at the 2025 Mahakumbh. Due to widespread protests, including opposition from religious authorities and saints, Mamta ultimately relinquished the position.
Terming her anointing as Mahamandaleshwar as “God’s plan,” Mamta declared, “That sacred Mahakumbh followed after 140 years. God was bestowing on me the reward of my 25 years of tapasya (penance), and that is what transpired.” She underlined that she has been a sadhvi (ascetic) for more than two decades now on the instructions of her spiritual guru, Chaitanya Gagangiri Maharaj.
Mamta Kulkarni बनीं संन्यासी, महाकुंभ में ली दीक्षा, Acharya Laxmi Narayan ने दी जानकारी pic.twitter.com/N0tKQGJUlB
— अधिवक्ता Sanjeev Yadav (@Sanjeevkyadav2) January 24, 2025
Spiritual Journey Overshadows Bollywood Past
Mamta disclosed that she had quit the film world 25 years ago and since then devoted herself to spirituality. “People still query me till date. When I was awarded the Mahamandaleshwar title, several objections were raised—even by some Shankaracharyas. But my guru was a great saint, and I have undergone stringent sadhana under his guidance.”
#WATCH | Prayagraj | Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, Laxmi Narayan says, “Kinnar akhada is going to make Mamta Kulkarni (former Bollywood actress) a Mahamandleshwar. She has been named as Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri. As I am talking here, all the rituals are underway. She… pic.twitter.com/gF25BlKcEh
— ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2025
A Glorious Past in Bollywood
Though she now lives a life far removed from the glitz and glamour of Bollywood, Mamta Kulkarni’s legacy as a 90s star remains strong. Known for her beauty and vibrant performances, she starred in several successful films including Tiranga, Baazi, Krantiveer, Karan Arjun, and Ghaatak. Despite her retreat from the spotlight, her name continues to evoke nostalgia among fans of that golden era.
