After Dhirendra Shastri, Baba Ramdev Criticises Mamta Kulkarni's Appointment As Mahamandaleshwar At Maha Kumbh (VIDEO)

Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni, who starred in some of the hit films of 1990s, was ordained as a 'Mahamandaleshwar' in the Kinnar Akhara on January 24 at Maha Kumbh. After she performed the ritual of 'Pind Daan' at the Sangam, her coronation ceremony took place. Several pictures and videos from the ceremony have surfaced on social media platforms in which the actress is also seen getting emotional during her consecration ceremony.

Now, Yoga guru and businessman Baba Ramdev criticised the declaration of Mamta Kulkarni as a Mahamandaleshwar. While interacting with media persons, he said, "Certain individuals, who were indulging in worldly pleasures just yesterday, suddenly transform into saints or even acquire titles like Mahamandaleshwar in a single day."

"Simply adding the title of 'Baba' to someone’s name or promoting indecent acts and reels in the name of Kumbh is unacceptable. The true essence of the Kumbh is the elevation of humanity to divinity, sainthood, and spiritual awakening. Sanatan is about experiencing, living, and expanding its eternal truths. Sanatan is the eternal truth that cannot be denied," he added, without naming anyone.

Take a look at his video here:

Before Baba Ramdev, Pandit Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham also expressed his reservations over the appointment of Mamta Kulkarni as Mahamandaleshwar.

"How can someone be made a saint or Mahamandaleshwar under external influence? We ourselves have not been able to become Mahamandaleshwar till now," he reportedly stated.

The former actress will now be known as 'Shri Yamai Mamta Nand Giri'.

Opening up about her decision to take sanyas, Mamta had earlier told ANI, "This was the order of Mahadev, Maha Kaali. This was the order of my Guru. They chose this day. I didn't do anything."

Mamta, 52, reached the Kinnar Akhara in Maha Kumbh on Friday where she met Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi of Kinnar Akhara and sought his blessings. She also met the president of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP), Mahant Ravindra Puri.

With this induction, Kulkarni joins the ranks of the revered Mahamandaleshwars -- a title given to spiritual leaders who play a vital role in religious discourse and social upliftment.

About Mamta Kulkarni

Mamta is known for her stunning looks and bold on-screen persona. She quickly rose to fame during the 1990s.

Despite her relatively short career span in Bollywood, Mamta was known for her daring choices, glamorous roles, and her ability to leave a mark in films with strong male leads.

Some of her notable films are Karan Arjun, China Gate, Tirangaa, Aashiq Awara, Krantiveer, Baazi, Sabse Bada Khiladi, Policewala Gunda, and more.

Mamta's return to India

The actress, who was allegedly involved in a Rs 2,000 crore international drug racket, returned to Mumbai, India, after 25 years following her clean chit in the case. In December, she shared a video on her social media, informing her fans and revealing that she felt really 'overwhelmed' and 'emotional' after returning to 'Aamchi Mumbai.

What was the case?

The Bombay High Court gave Mamta a clean sheet in relation to the 2016 Thane drug haul case. It was alleged that the actress, along with her partner Vicky Goswami and other co-accused, attended a meeting in Kenya in January 2016, which was linked to an international drug racket.

Earlier, Mumbai Police claimed that Kulkarni was involved in the illicit activities and had planned to seek her extradition from Kenya.