From Bollywood fame to spiritual leadership! Mamta Kulkarni joins Kinnar Akhara as Mahamandleshwar at Mahakumbh | WATCH

Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni has embraced a new spiritual path as she was officially inducted as the Mahamandleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada during the Mahakumbh festival in Prayagraj. She has been bestowed with the spiritual name Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri. Acharya Mahamandleshwar Laxmi Narayan of Kinnar Akhada remarked, "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."

A Journey of Spiritual Commitment

Laxmi Narayan elaborated on Kulkarni's association with the Kinnar Akhada, stating that she has been connected to the community for the past one and a half years. He noted, "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 | Pattabhisheka of former actress Mamta Kulkarni performed at Sangam Ghat in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

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/5hFfFTMe1s

— ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2025

"Visuals from the Mahakumbh festival captured Kulkarni adorned in saffron attire, actively engaging in spiritual rituals, including her 'Pind Daan' at Sangam Ghat. In her address to reporters, she expressed her deep devotion, saying, "...This was the order of Mahadev, Maha Kaali. This was the order of my Guru. They chose this day. I didn’t do anything."

The Kinnar Akhada's Role

The Kinnar Akhada is a monastic order of transgender sadhus affiliated with the Juna Akhada, and it has established its camp in Prayagraj’s tent city for Mahakumbh-2025. This significant event marks a pivotal moment not only for Kulkarni but also for the Kinnar community as they continue to carve out their space within India's spiritual landscape.

From Stardom to Spirituality

Mamta Kulkarni gained prominence in the 1990s with notable performances in Bollywood films such as Karan Arjun and Baazi, sharing screen time with major stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. After years away from the limelight, she returned to Mumbai recently.

In 2023, a significant legal victory occurred when the Bombay High Court dismissed a ₹2,000 crore drug case against her due to lack of evidence.In summary, Mamta Kulkarni’s transition from a celebrated actress to a revered spiritual leader illustrates a profound personal transformation and highlights the evolving dynamics within India's spiritual communities.