Former Actress Mamta Kulkarni Swaps Film Scripts For Sacred Scriptures

Mumbai: Once the darling of Bollywood in the glitzy 90s, Mamta Kulkarni, who set screens ablaze with her bold roles in Karan Arjun and Aashiq Awara, has traded sequins for saffron. In a plot twist that could rival any masala movie, she is poised to become the Mahamandleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara.

If you thought her acting career was unpredictable, her latest avatar is downright jaw-dropping. Mamta officially donned the spiritual mantle in a ceremony brimming with ancient rituals. From performing Pind Daan at the holy Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati—to her grand induction as Mahamandleshwar was a spectacle befitting her Bollywood roots. The event was steeped in tradition, much like her cinematic melodramas.

For the uninitiated, the Kinnar Akhara is not your average religious order. Established in 2015 by activist and spiritual leader Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, the Akhara champions the inclusion and empowerment of transgender individuals within the spiritual fold. In appointing Mamta as Mahamandleshwar, the Akhara has cleverly merged Bollywood’s allure with its social mission, ensuring headlines that scream, "Inclusion with a side of drama!" But let’s not gloss over the fact that Mamta’s journey to sainthood has been anything but ordinary.

After ruling Bollywood in the ’90s, she vanished from the spotlight, reportedly finding solace in spirituality. By the time she reappeared at Mumbai airport last December, 25 years after her self-imposed exile, fans were left gaping in disbelief. Was this really the same actress who once danced to chartbusters with Salman Khan? And yet, here she is, wrapped in saffron robes and a Rudraksha mala, rechristened Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri.

In a video making rounds on social media, she speaks with the serenity of someone who has swapped film scripts for sacred scriptures. “This was the order of Mahadev and Maha Kaali,” she declared to ANI, adding that her Guru dictated the timing of her transformation. Talk about divine scripting. But Mamta’s newfound spirituality isn’t all incense and invocations. At a meeting with the All India Akhara President, she reportedly held forth on religious philosophy, invoking tales of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati.

According to Tripathi, Mamta has been in dialogue with the Akhara for over a year and is now ready to embody the role of a spiritual leader. "She is even free to perform devotional art," Tripathi remarked, hinting at a curious fusion of Bollywood flair with monastic devotion. Cynics may snigger, but Mamta’s transformation is nothing short of remarkable.

Her induction into the Kinnar Akhara is a testament to life’s unpredictability. From the glitz of Krantiveer to the gravitas of Mahakumbh, Mamta has rewritten her script in a way that’s equal parts audacious and inspiring. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious spectator, Mamta’s story is proof that life can always surprise you. As she steps into her new role, she’s not just embracing spirituality—she’s redefining it. And in true Bollywood style, the world is watching.

Published on: Saturday, January 25, 2025, 11:14 AM IST