Mamta Kulkarni expelled from Kinnar Akhada, here's why her Bollywood past might be the reason

If Bollywood ever had a leading lady whose life could be turned into a blockbuster thriller, it¡¯s Mamta Kulkarni. The 90s diva, who once set screens on fire with her sultry performances, is now making headlines for an entirely different reason¡ªher dramatic expulsion from the Kinnar Akhada.

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But wait, this is just the latest chapter in her long, tumultuous journey. Who is Mamta Kulkarni, what made her a sensation, and why is her name constantly tangled in controversies? Buckle up, because this story has everything: fame, scandal, underworld links, and a spiritual twist!

From Bollywood stardom to spirituality: The rise, fall, and controversies of Mamta Kulkarni

Born in 1972, Mamta Kulkarni burst onto the Bollywood scene with her 1991 Tamil film Nanbargal. She soon made her Hindi debut with Mera Dil Tere Liye and later shot to fame with Aashiq Awara in 1993. But it was her sizzling presence in Karan Arjun opposite Salman Khan and her song Mujhko Rana Ji Maaf Karna that cemented her status as a Bollywood star.

Despite working with some of the biggest names¡ªSalman Khan, Aamir Khan, and more¡ªMamta¡¯s Bollywood journey was short-lived. Just when she seemed to be reaching the peak of her career, she disappeared from the limelight.

Mama Kulkarni controversies

The bold photoshoot

In 1992, Mamta did something that was unheard of in Bollywood at the time¡ªa topless photoshoot for Stardust magazine. When the issue hit stands in September 1993, it flew off the shelves, with fans even buying copies on the black market. The controversy only added to her allure, making her an overnight sensation.

For those seeing this Mamta Kulkurni on TL today, I remember her from her stardust 1993 cover. Her films weren't as memorable as her magazine covers BTW. (She's in Karan Arjun in case you're wondering).

Those who know. pic.twitter.com/U7W03FYUqM

¡ª Hina Safdar (@hinasafi) January 25, 2025

Underworld ties and the Vicky Goswami chapter

Mamta¡¯s link to the underworld has been a topic of much speculation. Her name was associated with notorious gangsters, including Chhota Rajan. However, her most talked-about relationship was with drug mafia kingpin Vicky Goswami. While many believe she converted to Islam and married him, Mamta has denied these claims, calling them ¡°completely untrue.¡±

From Bollywood to spirituality

By 1996, Mamta had started distancing herself from Bollywood, drawn towards spirituality. She credited her transformation to Guru Gagan Giri Maharaj, saying that Bollywood gave her fame, but her soul longed for something deeper. Between 2000 and 2012, she claimed to have lived in celibacy, practicing penance in Dubai.

Mamta Kulkarni is a former Indian actress and model. She has appeared in commercial successful Hindi films such as Aashiq Awara, Waqt Hamara Hai, Krantiveer, Karan Arjun, Sabse Bada Khiladi, Andolan, Baazi, China Gate and Chhupa Rustam.

Happy Birthday #MamtaKulkarni ? pic.twitter.com/Vds8m5papc

¡ª ?????? ???? (@CinemAajKal) April 20, 2021

The Kinnar Akhada controversy

Just when you thought Mamta had left the limelight for good, she made headlines yet again¡ªthis time for her involvement in the Kinnar Akhada. In December 2024, she was formally inducted into the Akhada during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. However, things took a dramatic turn when Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of the Akhada, expelled both Mamta and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi.

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The reason? Tripathi had allegedly appointed Mamta without his consent, causing a major rift within the religious order. According to Ajay Das, this move deviated from the Akhada¡¯s core mission of uplifting the transgender community.