Mamta Kulkarni steps down as Maha Mandleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, says her spiritual journey now needs silence, not titles

Mamta Kulkarni has once again taken a decision that has surprised many. The former Bollywood actor has announced that she is stepping down as Maha Mandleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, saying her spiritual journey no longer requires positions, titles or formal recognition.

“Right fully in proper state of mind”

In a statement shared on Instagram, Mamta confirmed that her resignation will take effect from January 27, 2026. Making it clear that the decision is entirely her own, she addressed rumours of discord head-on.

“I Mamta Mukund Kulkarni right fully in proper state of mind I am resigning from being a Maha Mandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada as of January 27th 2026. No qualms with Dr Acharya Lakshmi Narayan Tripati all love for bestowing respect,” she wrote.

Mamta stressed that there is no conflict behind her exit and expressed gratitude to Dr Acharya Lakshmi Narayan Tripati for the honour and respect she received.

Explaining her mindset, Mamta indicated that her spiritual beliefs have evolved and no longer align with structured roles or hierarchies.

“It’s just that my spiritual knowledge will flow like J Krishna Murti. Truth doesn’t need clothes or stature,” she said, signalling her desire to follow a more independent and free-flowing spiritual path.

Guru’s teachings influenced her choice

Mamta also credited her guru, Shree Chaitnaya Gangagiri Nath, for shaping her outlook. She revealed that he never accepted any formal designation himself.

“My Guru Shree Chaitnaya Gangagiri Nath didn’t accept any,” she wrote, adding that his philosophy deeply influenced her decision to step away from official titles.

Looking ahead, Mamta said she intends to continue her spiritual practices quietly, without being attached to any organisation, group or ideology.

“I lived 25 years life of aesthetic will practice same in silence and part my knowledge wherever and whenever needed irrespective of any party or attributed to any specific group or like minded,” she shared.

From Bollywood fame to renunciation

Mamta Kulkarni was one of the most popular Hindi film stars of the 1990s, known for hits like Waqt Hamara Hai, Krantiveer, Karan Arjun, Sabse Bada Khiladi, Andolan, Baazi, China Gate and Chhupa Rustam: A Musical Thriller. She stepped away from films after Kabhie Tum Kabhie Hum.



After staying away from the spotlight for over two decades, Mamta resurfaced in 2025 when she announced her decision to take sanyas. During the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, she was initiated into spiritual life, appointed Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, performed rituals such as pind daan and pattabhishekam, and took the spiritual name Yamai Mamta Nand Giri. However, the chapter soon turned controversial, with Kinnar Akhada founder Rishi Ajai Das announcing her expulsion on January 31, 2025, reportedly over allegations linking her to the underworld and Dawood Ibrahim.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”