When Mamta Kulkarni revealed she never wanted to be an actress, saying " “It was under my mother’s influence..."

Mamta Kulkarni, once a prominent figure in the 90s, saw her career gradually diminish due to increasing scandals and rumors of ties with the underworld. Seeking solace and a retreat from the distractions of worldly fame, she chose to focus on spirituality during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, where she renounced her past life.

"I have been doing penance for the past 23 years," Kulkarni stated, revealing that she took ‘sanyas’ under the Kinnar Akhara, performing her own ‘Pind Daan.’ Her decision to leave the glimmering world of Bollywood stunned many, with some on social media questioning her motives and accusing her of turning the sacred Kumbh into a “tamasha” (buffoonery).

Mamta’s rise to fame was swift, but her career was soon overshadowed by controversies involving her personal life and connections to the underworld. Despite a series of hits in both Bollywood and South Indian cinema, her increasing absence from the industry was due to the mounting scandals. She made her debut with Tirangaa in 1992, followed by her breakthrough role in Aashiq Awara (1993). Over the next decade, she starred in over 50 films, often playing the role of a love interest or portraying a sensual image. Songs like Koi Jaaye Toh Le Aaye from Ghatak, Bharo, Maang Meri Bharo from Sabse Bada Khiladi, and Chudiyan Bajaungi Prem Dhun Gaaungi from Betaaj Badshah became iconic hits in the 90s.

However, her career took a sharp downturn in 1998 when her alleged connection to notorious underworld don Chhota Rajan was exposed. It was rumored that director Rajkumar Santoshi cast Kulkarni in China Gate, but after some disputes, she was removed from the film, despite filming multiple scenes with co-stars Naseeruddin Shah and Amrish Puri. After allegedly receiving threats from Rajan and his associates, Kulkarni was reinstated, though the film was a commercial failure. During this period, she also accused Santoshi of making inappropriate advances, which she claimed led to her reduced screen time in the final cut. She voiced her frustration over the success of the Chamma Chamma song featuring Urmila Matondkar, which she felt overshadowed her own work.

Although Bollywood offered fame and fortune, Mamta confessed that she never felt an intrinsic pull toward the industry. She revealed that it was her mother’s pressure that led her to act. “It was under my mother’s influence and pressure; I joined films and pursued acting. I was a reluctant actress and I don’t regret quitting the film world,” she said.

The drama around her personal life deepened when her alleged relationship with international drug dealer Vicky Goswami became public. Mamta met Goswami during a performance in Dubai in the late 90s, where he was involved in global drug trafficking. After his arrest, Goswami reportedly handed over control of his legitimate businesses to Mamta.

In 2013, rumors began circulating that Mamta had married Goswami, though she consistently denied these claims. In 2016, she was implicated in a ₹2000 crore drug case along with Goswami but was living abroad at the time and was declared a fugitive. "Now, I am not in touch with him, I last contacted him in 2016," Kulkarni disclosed in a 2022 interview with ANI.

Despite the controversies and challenges throughout her life, Mamta Kulkarni appears to have found peace and purpose on a spiritual journey, leaving behind the chaos of her career and personal life for a path focused on inner peace.