Karan Arjun actress Mamta Kulkarni to become Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada

Mamta Kulkarni

Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni is set to become the Mahamandleshwar (spiritual leader) of the Kinnar Akhada during the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in 2025. After spending almost 25 years away from India, she returned earlier this month and traveled to Prayagraj to participate in the sacred event.

During her visit, she took a holy dip at the Sangam and performed "Pind Daan" as part of her spiritual rituals, marking a significant step ahead of her formal induction into the Kinnar Akhada.

VIDEO | Prayagraj: Film actress Mamta Kulkarni to become Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhara at Maha Kumbh.(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/J0lK8Z7fJ4
Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 24, 2025

The Kinnar Akhada, which is known for its association with the transgender community, has decided to appoint Mamta Kulkarni as the Mahamandleshwar, giving her the title Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri. According to Laxmi Narayan, the Acharya Mahamandleshwar of the Akhada, Mamta Kulkarni has been in touch with them for over a year and a half. He mentioned that she has the freedom to embody any spiritual or devotional figure if she wishes, as the Akhada encourages everyone to express their devotion in their unique ways.

In her own words, Kulkarni explained that the decision to take on this new spiritual role came as a result of divine guidance. "This was the order of Mahadev, Maha Kaali. This was the order of my Guru. They chose this day. I didn't do anything," she said after performing the Pind Daan ritual at Sangam Ghat in Prayagraj.

Also Read: Veteran actor Manoj Kumar: Always considered Akshay Kumar my successor in portraying patriotism on-screen

Before being officially inducted as Mahamandleshwar, Kulkarni also shared her plans to visit other significant religious sites. She intends to go to Varanasi for darshan at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, followed by a visit to Ayodhya. Several social media platforms shared visuals of Mamta Kulkarni dressed in saffron attire, participating in the Mahakumbh Mela, which has caught the attention of many.

Mamta Kulkarni was a prominent figure in the 1990s Bollywood industry, known for her roles in films like Karan Arjun and Baazi. She worked with big stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan. However, after enjoying success in the film industry, she chose to step away in the early 2000s to live a quieter life abroad, away from the public eye. Now, her spiritual journey has brought her back to the spotlight in a completely different role.