Mamta Kulkarni recites mantras amid controversy over her role as Mahamandaleshwar of kinnar akhara

Once known for her glamorous roles in the 90s, former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni has now embraced spirituality by taking sanyas at the Mahakumbh. During her recent appearance on Aap Ki Adalat, she was seen reciting mantras in response to questions about the Vedas and Shastras.
During her interview, Rajat Sharma asked Mamta Kulkarni if she had studied the Vedas or had knowledge of the scriptures, noting that Mahamandaleshwars are typically well-versed in them.Mamta responded in Hindi, stating, “One should not flaunt their knowledge because that leads to arrogance,” before reciting a mantra from the Rigveda to demonstrate her understanding, which earned her applause from the audience.
This week, Mamta took sanyas after the pind daan ritual at the Sangam and became Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara. However, she was expelled a few days later because many people felt she did not deserve the title.
Talking about an assumption about a return to films, Kulkarni stated in an interview with India Today that she cannot imagine acting again, calling it “absolutely impossible.” She emphasized the significance of her new role as Mahamandaleshwar in the Kinnar Akhara, likening it to winning an Olympic medal after years of spiritual practice. Mamta expressed gratitude for the honor, attributing it to the blessings of Goddess Adishakti. She chose the Kinnar Akhara for its representation of freedom and lack of restrictions.
In the 90s, Mamta Kulkarni starred in several hit Bollywood films, including ‘Waqt Hamara Hai’, ‘Krantiveer’, ‘Karan Arjun’, ‘Sabse Bada Khiladi’, ‘Andolan’, ‘Baazi’, and ‘China Gate’. After her role in ‘Kabhie Tum Kabhie Hum’, she left the film industry, moved abroad, and chose a life away from the spotlight. Mamta returned to India last year, 2024.