Last Updated:
Mamta Kulkarni, a 1990s actress-turned-spiritualist, was named Mahamandaleshwar at Maha Kumbh 2025 but removed after protests. She addressed controversies surrounding her sadhna on a popular TV show
Mamta Kulkarni shared an anecdote about having 2 pegs during Navratri on the TV show. (PTI File)
Mamta Kulkarni made an immediate impact when she entered films in the 1990s. While she has since embraced spirituality, controversies continue to surround her.
During Maha Kumbh 2025, the Kinnar Akhara bestowed the title of Mahamandaleshwar upon Kulkarni. However, her tenure lasted only seven days. Following protests from several Hindu holy men, she was subsequently removed from the position.
During a recent television appearance, Mamta Kulkarni discussed her path to becoming a Sadhvi, revealing that she has not watched any adult films for the past 23 years. The actress also shared an anecdote about having “2 pegs” during Navratri.
When asked about observing fasts during Navratri while also having two pegs at the Taj Hotel at night, Mamta Kulkarni said, “When I was in Bollywood, my Guru came into my life in 1997.”
The host then specifically asked her about reports indicating that Kulkarni used to meditate and observe fasts during Navratri, but at night, she would go to the Taj and drink two pegs of scotch.
To this, Mamta Kulkarni responded saying, “During my time in Bollywood, my life revolved around a strict routine. Whenever I went for shooting, I would carry three bags. One contained my clothes, while the other held my portable temple. This temple, set up on a table in my room, was where I would perform puja before leaving for work. Only after completing this ritual would I embark on my shooting schedule.”
She further added, “I used to observe Navratri. This Navratri is a nine-day siddhi. I had taken a vow to fast and perform three havans in the morning, afternoon, and evening. I was only on water for nine days. I performed yagya with 36 kilos of sandalwood.”
“My designer, who was from Bollywood then, said, ‘Mamta, what are you doing? You have become too serious. Get up, nine days are enough, let’s go now.’ We then visited the Taj; one or two Navratris went by in this manner. I would consume scotch, but after just two pegs, I had to rush to the washroom. It felt as though all the alcohol had instantly gone to my head. The nine days of penance, with their lack of sustenance, were taking a toll. My insides felt as if they were burning. I ended up sitting in the washroom for 40 minutes,” Kulkarni said.
The former actress further explained, “See, all this happened in 1996-97. For two years, my guru saw that Bollywood would not let me stay on this path for long. That is why he chose a place of penance for me where no one would meet me for 12 years.”
Mamta Kulkarni’s expulsion stems from a dispute between Kinnar Akhara’s founder, Ajay Das, and Acharya Mahamandleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi. The Akhara was divided on their stance regarding Kulkarni’s position.
The clash escalated, leading to further controversy within the Akhara and culminating in the expulsion of both Tripathi and Kulkarni.
Mamta Kulkarni, however, stated that she never aspired to become Mahamandaleshwar but acceded to the role under pressure from Acharya Laxmi Narayan Tripathi of Kinnar Akhara.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
