In a surprising move, former actress Mamta Kulkarni has decided to become a Sadhvi. Kulkarni officially embraced sainthood on Friday during the Maha Kumbh, where she took ‘sanyas‘ and performed the ‘Pind Daan’ ritual at the Sangam in the presence of Kinnar Akhara members.
Speaking with India Today, the actress revealed if she will ever go back to acting. She said, “I can’t even imagine doing films again. It is absolutely impossible for me now. People of Kinnara Akhada represent the Ardhnareshwar avatar of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati. 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 honour. I chose to be a part of the Kinnar Akhada because it represents freedom. There are no restrictions here.”
Talking about life and its needs, the actress said, “You need everything in life, including entertainment. You should acknowledge your needs. But spirituality is something that you can only achieve through luck. Siddhartha (Prince Siddhārtha Gautama who became Lord Buddha) saw everything in his life and then decided to change.”
Earlier, talking about her decision, the actress told ANI, “This was the order of Mahadev, Maha Kaali. This was the order of my Guru. They chose this day. I didn’t do anything.”
Mamta met Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Dr. Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi and received blessings, marking the beginning of her spiritual journey. During a traditional coronation ceremony, she was declared Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhara and given a new name, ‘Shri Yamai Mamta Nand Giri.’
A video circulating on social media captures Kulkarni’s return to India after 25 years for the Maha Kumbh, where she can be seen posing with her sanyasi companions.
Kinnar Akhara, established by eunuchs and functioning under the Juna Akhara, is a Hindu religious order. Mamta has reportedly been associated with Juna Akhara for two years and connected with Kinnar Akhara in recent months.
Kinnar Akhara’s Mahamandaleshwar Kaushalya Nand Giri, also known as Tina Maa, earlier confirmed that Kulkarni performed her own Pind Daan at the Ganga River and will later be consecrated as a Mahamandaleshwar. Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi will impart ‘deeksha’ (initiation) to her.
Mamta Kulkarni, who is known for her roles in Bollywood hits like Karan Arjun, had been away from the limelight for years. This marks a significant new chapter in her life, as she embraces a spiritual path with the Kinnar Akhara.
In December 2024, Mamta returned to Mumbai and revealed in an interview that she left India and Bollywood in 1996 to pursue spirituality. She credited Guru Gagan Giri Maharaj for inspiring her spiritual journey, which involved 12 years of penance and celibacy in Dubai. Upon returning to Mumbai, Mamta became emotional, reminiscing about the city that gave her fame and launched her Bollywood career.
