Mamta Kulkarni Opens Up About Her Spiritual Transformation and Return to Bollywood: Mamta Kulkarni, a former Bollywood actress who once ruled the silver screen in the 90s, has taken the world by surprise with her recent life-changing decision to walk on a spiritual path. After years of being in the limelight for her acting career and controversies, Mamta has now embraced a life of renunciation, known as ‘sanyas.’ In a surprising revelation made on January 24, 2025, she shared that she had left her materialistic life behind and adopted the name Mai Mamta Nand Giri. This transformation took place during the Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025, where Mamta took her vows and was anointed as the Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada.
Mamta Kulkarni’s Spiritual Journey
Mamta Kulkarni’s journey from being one of the most popular actresses of the 90s to a spiritual leader has been nothing short of dramatic. Having worked in several Bollywood films, Mamta was known for her glamorous image and bold roles. However, her life took a different turn when she decided to leave her acting career behind and pursue spirituality.
In the recently viral video that captured her emotional moment at the Maha Kumbh Mela, Mamta can be seen shedding tears as she undergoes her spiritual transformation. The video, which quickly made rounds on social media, shows Mamta dressed in a saffron-hued attire, wearing a Rudraksha rosary, symbolizing her new path. The deeply emotional moment has left many fans in awe, as they witnessed her deeply personal and spiritual shift.
Mamta’s decision to embrace sanyas and become a Mahamandaleshwar has garnered significant attention, not only because of her film career but also due to her controversial past. After staying away from India for almost 25 years, Mamta’s return coincided with her initiation into the Kinnar Akhada, where she was blessed by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Dr. Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi.
Mamta Kulkarni on Her Return to Bollywood
During an interview with India Today, Mamta was asked if she would ever consider returning to Bollywood. To this, she responded candidly, “I can’t even think about that. I have left that life behind.” She further elaborated that the decision to join the Kinnar Akhada was one that offered her freedom and spiritual fulfillment. Mamta’s emotional and resolute stance makes it clear that she is no longer interested in the glitz and glamour of the film industry.
For many years, Mamta’s name was often linked to rumors, controversies, and speculations, with frequent media inquiries about her return to the film industry or even participating in reality shows like Bigg Boss. However, after her initiation into the Kinnar Akhada, Mamta has made it clear that she has chosen a different path — one that focuses on spirituality, renunciation, and self-realization.
Mamta Kulkarni Becomes Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhada
Becoming a Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada is no small achievement, especially considering the significance it holds in spiritual and religious circles. In her interview, Mamta spoke about the honor of being named Mahamandaleshwar, saying, “Becoming a Mahamandaleshwar of such Akhada is like an Olympic medal after 23 years of my spiritual practice. It’s only with the blessings of the Goddess Adishakti that I have been bestowed with this honor.”
The Kinnar Akhada represents the Ardhnareshwar avatar of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, signifying the union of masculine and feminine energies. Mamta chose to be a part of this Akhada because of the freedom it offers its followers, explaining that, “There are no restrictions here.” Her words reflect her belief in embracing a path that allows for personal freedom and self-expression, something she may have felt was absent in her previous life as a Bollywood actress.
Controversy Surrounding Mamta Kulkarni’s Spiritual Transformation
Not everyone is happy with Mamta’s spiritual journey, however. Hemangi Sakhi Maa, a prominent figure in the Kinnar community and a member of the Kinnar Akhada, has raised objections to Mamta’s anointment as Mahamandaleshwar. In an interview with ANI, Sakhi Maa expressed her concerns, stating that the Kinnar Akhada was formed to represent the Kinnar community. She questioned the propriety of Mamta Kulkarni’s appointment, citing her past and alleged connections with the underworld.
Sakhi Maa questioned why Mamta, who had been out of the public eye for years, was suddenly thrust into the spotlight and made Mahamandaleshwar without proper scrutiny of her background. The accusations about Mamta’s past, including rumors of her alleged involvement with underworld gangs, have cast a shadow over her spiritual transformation. Despite these criticisms, Mamta has remained focused on her new role as a spiritual leader.
Mamta Kulkarni’s Life as a Sanyasi
While Mamta’s spiritual transformation may be met with mixed reactions, her journey is undeniably a personal one. The decision to walk away from the limelight and embrace a life of self-discipline and renunciation is one that takes immense courage. As a sanyasi, Mamta is now dedicated to her spiritual practices and has committed herself to the Kinnar Akhada, a community that values freedom, non-conformity, and spirituality above all else.
Her new life as a sadhvi is centered around her spiritual evolution, and her followers and fellow sanyasis from the Kinnar Akhada have been supportive of her path. Mamta’s choice to embrace sanyas at the Maha Kumbh Mela, a place of great significance for spiritual seekers, symbolizes her commitment to the sacred path she has chosen.
Conclusion
Mamta Kulkarni’s decision to leave Bollywood and embrace a life of spirituality has been both a surprising and inspirational move. Her transformation from a Bollywood diva to a respected Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada marks a new chapter in her life, one that is dedicated to self-realization and spiritual growth. While the controversies surrounding her past may never fully fade, Mamta’s journey is a reminder of the power of personal transformation and the strength to walk away from fame in search of deeper meaning. Whether or not she ever returns to the world of cinema, Mamta Kulkarni’s story is a testament to the power of change and self-discovery.