Mamta Kulkarni, Bollywood sensation with underworld connection, joins Kinnar Akhada

Popular actress Mamta Kulkarni, once a Bollywood sensation in the 90s, has joined Kinnar Akhada after becoming a "Sanyasi". The former actress also visited the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj and she met Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Dr Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi at Kinnar Akhara. 

Meanwhile, she was also seen wearing a Rudraksh garland around her neck with a saffron bag draping around her shoulder. A video of the former actress is doing rounds on social media, where she can be seen dressed as a Hindu monk (Saadhvi). 

Take a look 

In a conversation with news agency ANI, Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, Laxmi Narayan revealed that the actress has been named Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri. 

#WATCH | Prayagraj | Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, Laxmi Narayan says, "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. She… pic.twitter.com/gF25BlKcEh

— ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2025

"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. 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..." he said.

As per a report by India TV, Mamta Kulkarni said that coming to Mahakumbh and seeing the grandeur of the event is a very memorable moment for her.

She added that she feels fortunate to have witness the sacred Mahakumbh Mela, Prayagraj. 

Know about Mamta Kulkarni 

Mamta Kulkani entered the realms of the cinema industry with a modest role in 1992 movie "Tiranga", alongside established actors Raj Kumar and Nana Patekar. With roles in "Ashaant," 'Aashiq Awara,' and 'Waqt Hamara Hai' in 1993, she came to be recognised as an icon of the 90s. 

Notably, Kulkarni has been under public scrutiny for her underworld connection. Her reported relationship with underworld gangster Chhota Rajan, who was also tied to Dawood Ibrahim, drew significant attention from the public as well as media. 

In September 1993, Kulkarni appeared for a magezine photoshoot, posing topless. This bold move shocked the film industry, sparking a massive controversy.