When Mamta Kulkarni made headlines with her dating rumours with underworld don Chhota Rajan and alleged involvement in 2000 crore drug case

Mamta Kulkarni, a name once synonymous with Bollywood glamour and fame in the 90s, eventually became a controversial figure whose life seemed to spiral due to scandals and rumors. Known for her bold roles and captivating screen presence, Mamta Kulkarni's fame rapidly ascended but was just as quickly overshadowed by her association with the underworld and involvement in a notorious drug case. Her recent decision to renounce worldly life at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, where she took 'sanyas', has left many shocked.

A Glimpse of Stardom

Mamta Kulkarni

Mamta Kulkarni's rise to fame was quick and dramatic. Debuting with Tirangaa in 1992, she soon made a mark with roles in films like Aashiq Awara (1993). Within a decade, she had appeared in over 50 films across Bollywood and South Indian cinema, often playing the role of a love interest or the sensual female lead. Memorable songs such as "Koi Jaaye Toh Le Aaye" from Ghatak and "Maang Meri Bharo" from Sabse Bada Khiladi became anthems of the 90s, cementing her place in the hearts of audiences. Despite her early successes, her career began to fizzle out by the late 90s, largely due to the controversies that surrounded her personal life.

The Underworld Link: Chhota Rajan

One of the most talked-about aspects of Mamta Kulkarni's life was her alleged link with underworld don Chhota Rajan. In 1998, rumors began circulating about her relationship with Rajan, which became a hot topic in the media. Mamta Kulkarni's association with the underworld escalated after an incident on the set of China Gate. She was reportedly removed from the film after issues arose with the director, Rajkumar Santoshi. Allegedly, after receiving threats from Rajan and his associates, Kulkarni returned to the film. The film's failure was a blow to her, and she accused Santoshi of trying to make sexual advances toward her and reducing her screen presence.

Her connection with Rajan remained in the media's eye for years, and it didn’t help that the actress openly criticized filmmakers for diminishing her role in favor of other actresses like Urmila Matondkar, whose song "Chamma Chamma" became a massive hit.

Mamta and Goswami

The Drugs Scandal: Vicky Goswami and the Rs 2000 Crore Case

As Mamta's career began to dwindle, her personal life became even more turbulent. During her performances in Dubai in the late 90s, she met Vicky Goswami, a notorious drug dealer with international connections. In the years following, she became more deeply involved in Goswami's illegal business operations. When Goswami was arrested and jailed, Mamta Kulkarni allegedly took control of his legal business interests, further embroiling herself in the drug trade.
In 2013, Mamta Kulkarni married Vicky Goswami, although she consistently denied acknowledging their marriage in public. Her ties to the underworld and Goswami took a dangerous turn when, in 2016, she was named in a Rs 2000 crore drugs case alongside Goswami. Mamta Kulkarni was not living in India at the time and was declared a fugitive, though she later stated that she had lost contact with Goswami by 2016.

Renouncing the World: A New Chapter

In a shocking turn of events, Mamta Kulkarni made a dramatic return to the limelight, not through her acting career, but by renouncing the material world. In early 2024, Mamta Kulkarni took 'sanyas' at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, performing her own Pind Daan and declaring that she had been doing penance for the past 23 years. While some social media users criticized her decision, labeling the act as a "tamasha", her spiritual renunciation signaled a stark contrast to the glamorous and troubled life she had once led.

Mamta Kulkarni becomes Mahamandaleshwar

Return to India

After spending over two decades away from India, Mamta Kulkarni's emotional return to the country in 2024 was marked by tears as she looked down at her homeland from the airplane window and later while stepping out of Mumbai's international airport. The significance of returning to India after so many years was not lost on her, adding another chapter to her tumultuous life story.