Former Bollywood star Mamta Kulkarni, once known for her glamorous roles in the 90s, has publicly revealed her severe financial crisis following her controversial appointment and subsequent expulsion as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara. The actress turned Hindu monk became the center of attention after she addressed claims of bribery linked to her recent position.
Kulkarni's career began with significant promise, including notable films like Karan Arjun and Tirangaa. Yet, she withdrew from the film industry around the early 2000s, choosing instead to embrace spirituality. After over two decades away from the public eye, she made headlines again by returning to India last year after being acquitted of charges related to drug smuggling by the Bombay High Court.
Her appointment as Mahamandaleshwar during the Mahakumbh festival earlier this year was met with mixed reactions and led to internal conflicts within the Kinnar Akhara. Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of the Akhara, announced her removal just days after her induction, citing her failure to adhere to proper religious protocols and traditions.
He explained, “Without following any religious or akhara tradition, and without making her renunciate first, she was directly conferred the title of Mahamandaleshwar. Therefore, in the interest of the country, Sanatan Dharma, and society, I am reluctantly compelled to relieve her from the post.”
During her recent appearance on Rajat Sharma's show, Kulkarni vehemently denied allegations claiming she had paid ₹10 crore for the title, describing her current financial hardships instead. "Forget ₹10 crore; I do not have even ₹1 crore with me. The government has seized my bank accounts," she asserted. Her situation has become increasingly dire; she claimed to have borrowed ₹2 lakh to pay dakshina to her guru when she was appointed as Mahamandaleshwar. "You don’t know how I am surviving. I have no money," she added, reflecting on her predicament.
Further complicatiing her situation, Kulkarni revealed the challenging state of her three apartments, which have remained locked and unattended for over two decades, now infested with termites. She expressed despair over her living conditions, noting, "I cannot even begin to describe the financial crisis I am going through." This deteriorated condition of her properties serves as yet another picture of her current struggles.
Kulkarni’s fall from grace has captured public and media attention, shedding light not only on her turbulent life but also the difficult dynamics within religious institutions. Her life, which once seemed to radiate glamour and success, has taken dramatic turns and served as cautionary tales about fame’s fleeting nature and its subsequent challenges.
Despite her struggles, the drama surrounding her claims and the responses from the Kinnar Akhara have raised significant discussions within the community, framing both her and the Akhara's leadership within broader societal contexts. Though her time as Mahamandaleshwar was short-lived, the controversies surrounding it have kept her story alive.
The juxtaposition of her past successes against her current reality remains poignant as she navigates the complex layers of social expectation, community backlash, and personal crisis.
While the specifics of her expulsion might remain wrapped in ambiguity, Kulkarni’s story resonates deeply, reminding us all of the unpredictable tides of life and the challenges faced when the spotlight fades.