Mamta Kulkarni reveals financial struggles; Says, "I have no money" as she gets removed from Kinnar Akhara

Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni has been removed from her position as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara just one week after her appointment during the Mahakumbh 2025. The decision to revoke her title was influenced by internal conflicts within the Akhara and objections from various religious leaders regarding her past and conduct.

Talking to TV anchor Rajat Sharma, Mamta denied the allegations that she paid money to be appointed as Mahamandaleshwar. She stated, "Forget ₹10 crore; I don’t even have ₹1 crore." She explained that the government has seized her bank accounts, leaving her in a difficult financial situation. "You don’t know how I am surviving. I have no money," she added. Kulkarni mentioned that she had to borrow ₹2 lakh from someone to offer as dakshina to her guru when she was made Mahamandaleshwar.

The former actress revealed that three of her apartments are in a state of disrepair and infested with termites due to being closed for the past 23 years. She expressed the difficulty of articulating the financial crisis she is currently experiencing, highlighting the severity of her situation.

On January 31, Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of the Kinnar Akhara, publicly announced the removal of Mamta Kulkarni from her position as Mahamandaleshwar. In his statement, he criticised the process of her appointment, stating, “Without following any religious or akhara tradition, and without making her renunciate first, she was directly conferred the title and patta of Mahamandaleshwar. Therefore, in the interest of the country, Sanatan Dharma, and society, I am reluctantly compelled to relieve her from the post.”

Mamta Kulkarni was last seen in the film 'Kabhie Tum Kabhie Hum', released in 2002. After starting her career with 'Tiranga' in 1992, she starred in many popular films alongside major stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. However, she decided to leave acting in the early 2000s to pursue a spiritual life, stepping away from the spotlight.