Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni, who was recently conferred the title of Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhada at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, has stepped down from the position following intense opposition from within the community. On Monday, she announced her resignation through a video message on social media, citing the controversy surrounding her appointment.
In the video, Kulkarni, now known as Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nandgiri, expressed her disappointment over the backlash. “I, Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nandgiri, am resigning from this post. The respect given to me was for my 25 years of penance, but some people have a problem with me being Mahamandaleshwar,” she stated.
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The former actress, once known for her bold on-screen choices, spoke about her spiritual journey, emphasizing her conscious decision to leave Bollywood and embrace a life of austerity. “I left Bollywood 25 years ago and disappeared on my own. Who stays so far away from makeup and glamour otherwise?” she questioned.
Kulkarni also credited her spiritual mentor, Shri Chaitanya Gagangiri Maharaj, for guiding her on this path. “My Guru was a Siddha Mahapurush. I have done 25 years of penance with him. I don’t need to go to Kailash, Manasarovar, or the Himalayas because all the worlds are already in front of me,” she added.
However, the controversy surrounding her appointment deepened when allegations surfaced regarding the financial contributions expected from her. Kulkarni revealed that she was asked to contribute ₹2 lakh but did not have the means to do so. “When I was asked for ₹2 lakh, I didn’t have it. Jai Ambagiri Mahamandaleshwar gave it from his pocket. The money I have comes from deep penance, not material pursuits,” she explained.
Emphasizing that she did not wish to create further discord within the Akhada, Kulkarni stated that she was stepping down voluntarily. “This post was a certificate for sharing knowledge, but perhaps it’s a sign that I should step away. I am returning it with gratitude. Namaste,” she concluded.
Her resignation has reignited debates on the acceptance of individuals from diverse backgrounds in spiritual leadership roles, highlighting the deep-seated resistance to change within traditional religious institutions.