MUMBAI: Mamta Kulkarni, the former Bollywood actress known for her roles in films such as "Karan Arjun" and "Baazi," has embarked on a spiritual journey, becoming the Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara at the 2025 Prayagraj Mahakumbh.

During the initiation ceremony, Mamta performed the Pind Daan ritual at the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of rivers in Prayagraj. Afterward, she adopted the spiritual name Shree Yamai Mamta Nand Giri, symbolizing her new identity and dedication to her spiritual path.

Kulkarni revealed that her decision was inspired by her Guru and the divine guidance of Mahadev and Maha Kaali. Her appointment has led to mixed reactions within the spiritual community, with some saints questioning her eligibility due to her past, while others support her right to pursue spiritual growth.

Born on April 20, 1972, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Mamta Kulkarni began her acting career in the early 1990s and gained fame with her roles in commercially successful Hindi films. After a flourishing career in the film industry, she chose to step away from the spotlight and seek a more meaningful and spiritual life.

In June 2016, Kulkarni was named by the Thane Police as one of the accused in a case involving the supply of ephedrine for the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine as part of a Rs 2000 crore international drug ring. She was alleged to have attended a meeting in Kenya in January 2016 with her partner, Vicky Goswami, and other co-accused individuals linked to the drug trafficking network.

However, in August 2024, the Bombay High Court dismissed the drug case against Kulkarni, describing the charges as "manifestly frivolous and vexatious." The court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and that Kulkarni’s mere presence at a meeting did not justify prosecution.