Mamta Kulkarni refuses to rumours of her paying Rs 10 crore for Mahamandaleshwar appointment

Kulkarni’s appointment had drawn significant backlash due to her past in the film industry and her criminal history, which created divisions within the Akhada.

The Kinnar Akhada recently made the decision to remove Mamta Kulkarni and Laxmi Narayan Tripathi from their positions as Mahamandaleshwar, citing internal tensions. This move has sparked controversy and stirred debates within the community, raising questions about the balance between tradition and modernity in such religious institutions.

Kulkarni’s appointment had drawn significant backlash due to her past in the film industry and her criminal history, which created divisions within the Akhada. In a recent interview with Rajat Sharma on Aap Ki Adalat, Mamta Kulkarni addressed rumours that she had paid Rs 10 crore to be appointed as Mahamandaleshwar.

She strongly denied the allegations, stating that she doesn’t even have Rs 1 crore. Mamta went on to clarify that her bank accounts are frozen, and she had to borrow Rs 2 lakh as dakshina to present to her guru when she received the appointment.

Mamta Kulkarni also revealed that her three apartments have been left in a dilapidated state, plagued by termites, and have remained untouched for 23 years due to her ongoing financial difficulties. She further claimed that a CBI official had included her name in a case to secure a promotion, but he was eventually removed from his position. The High Court later dismissed the case altogether.

Also read: Kinnar Akhara head Rishi Das removes both Mamta Kulkarni and Laxminarayan Tripathi from Mahamandaleshwar position

Rishi Ajay Das has voiced his strong disapproval of the actions taken by Tripathi and others within the Akhara, accusing them of compromising the institution's integrity and values. He also issued a formal statement announcing the expulsion of Mamta Kulkarni and Laxminarayan Tripathi, citing their violation of the Akhara’s sanctity.

Mamta Kulkarni, a former Bollywood actress known for films like Karan Arjun and Baazi, gained significant fame in the 1990s. However, her public image has been overshadowed by involvement in criminal cases, including an alleged link to a major drug trafficking operation. Her return to India and induction into the Kinnar Akhara sparked controversy within spiritual and religious communities.