Mamta Kulkarni, a former Bollywood actress, was recently honored with the title of Mahamandaleshwar by the Kinnar Akhara, a religious sect. However, her appointment quickly became a source of controversy, leading to her eventual removal due to internal conflicts within the group. In an exclusive conversation with Rajat Sharma on Aap Ki Adalat, Mamta addressed allegations that she had paid a hefty sum of ₹10 crore to secure the esteemed position.
Refuting these accusations, Mamta spoke candidly about her financial difficulties, emphasizing that she lacked such a vast amount of money. She stated, "Forget ₹10 crore, I don’t even have ₹1 crore. My bank accounts have been frozen by the government. You have no idea about the hardships I am facing. I am struggling financially. I had to take a loan of ₹2 lakh from someone just to offer the customary ‘dakshina’ to my guru when I was appointed as Mahamandaleshwar."
Elaborating further on her economic struggles, Mamta disclosed that three of her properties have been locked and left unattended for more than two decades, rendering them uninhabitable due to termite infestations. She remarked that the deteriorating state of her assets reflects the immense financial crisis she is experiencing.
Her induction as Mahamandaleshwar stirred significant discord within the Kinnar Akhara. This culminated in a formal decision to revoke her title, announced on January 31 by Rishi Ajay Das, the Akhara’s founder. In a press statement, he explained the rationale behind her dismissal, asserting that proper religious protocols were not followed in her appointment. He stated, “She was granted the title and the traditional ‘patta’ of Mahamandaleshwar without first embracing renunciation, as per Akhara traditions. In light of this, and in the best interest of the nation, Sanatan Dharma, and society, I have been left with no choice but to remove her from the position.”
Mamta Kulkarni, once a prominent face in Bollywood, gained fame in the 1990s with her performances in numerous commercially successful films. She made her cinematic debut in 1992 with Tirangaa and subsequently appeared in hit movies such as Waqt Hamara Hai, Krantiveer, Karan Arjun, Sabse Bada Khiladi, and Baazi. Additionally, she became widely recognized for her popular dance number Mujhko Ranaji Maaf Karna.
Despite enjoying stardom in the 1990s, Mamta chose to leave the film industry in the early 2000s and eventually moved abroad. Her disappearance from the public eye led to much speculation about her personal life. In recent years, she has been in the spotlight again, albeit for reasons far removed from her film career.
The controversy surrounding her appointment and subsequent expulsion from the Kinnar Akhara has only added to the intrigue surrounding her life. While she strongly denies any claims of financial transactions related to her appointment, her removal highlights the complexities and internal disputes within religious institutions. For now, Mamta remains at the center of public attention, defending herself against allegations and navigating the personal and financial difficulties she claims to be enduring.
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Elaborating further on her economic struggles, Mamta disclosed that three of her properties have been locked and left unattended for more than two decades, rendering them uninhabitable due to termite infestations. She remarked that the deteriorating state of her assets reflects the immense financial crisis she is experiencing.
Her induction as Mahamandaleshwar stirred significant discord within the Kinnar Akhara. This culminated in a formal decision to revoke her title, announced on January 31 by Rishi Ajay Das, the Akhara’s founder. In a press statement, he explained the rationale behind her dismissal, asserting that proper religious protocols were not followed in her appointment. He stated, “She was granted the title and the traditional ‘patta’ of Mahamandaleshwar without first embracing renunciation, as per Akhara traditions. In light of this, and in the best interest of the nation, Sanatan Dharma, and society, I have been left with no choice but to remove her from the position.”
Mamta Kulkarni, once a prominent face in Bollywood, gained fame in the 1990s with her performances in numerous commercially successful films. She made her cinematic debut in 1992 with Tirangaa and subsequently appeared in hit movies such as Waqt Hamara Hai, Krantiveer, Karan Arjun, Sabse Bada Khiladi, and Baazi. Additionally, she became widely recognized for her popular dance number Mujhko Ranaji Maaf Karna.
Despite enjoying stardom in the 1990s, Mamta chose to leave the film industry in the early 2000s and eventually moved abroad. Her disappearance from the public eye led to much speculation about her personal life. In recent years, she has been in the spotlight again, albeit for reasons far removed from her film career.
The controversy surrounding her appointment and subsequent expulsion from the Kinnar Akhara has only added to the intrigue surrounding her life. While she strongly denies any claims of financial transactions related to her appointment, her removal highlights the complexities and internal disputes within religious institutions. For now, Mamta remains at the center of public attention, defending herself against allegations and navigating the personal and financial difficulties she claims to be enduring.
