Former Actress Mamta Kulkarni Joins Kinnar Akhara as Spiritual Leader
Mamta Kulkarni, 90s Bollywood star, is now the Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhara, marking her spiritual journey at Mahakumbh Mela 2025. Learn about her story.
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Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni, renowned for her iconic roles in films like Karan Arjun and Aashiq Awara, has embraced a new chapter in her life as a spiritual leader. Once a prominent figure in Indian cinema during the 1990s, Kulkarni was officially initiated as the Mahamandleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara at the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela 2025.
The induction ceremony was conducted with traditional Hindu rituals at the Sangam in Prayagraj, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. This significant event not only marks a transformation in her life but also highlights the inclusive philosophy of the Kinnar Akhara, which advocates for the spiritual and social empowerment of transgender individuals.
What is the Kinnar Akhara?
The Kinnar Akhara, established in 2015 under the leadership of activist and spiritual guru Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, is an order dedicated to creating a space for the transgender community within India’s spiritual framework. Kulkarni's appointment as Mahamandleshwar reflects the Akhara’s mission of breaking stereotypes and merging diverse cultural elements.
Kulkarni, who exited the Bollywood spotlight in the late 1990s, has spent the past two decades in relative obscurity. However, her reappearance in December 2024 at Mumbai airport wearing saffron attire and Rudraksha beads shocked fans and reignited public interest in her life. Adopting the name Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri, she explained her spiritual journey as divinely guided.
Speaking to ANI, Kulkarni attributed her transformation to the blessings of Lord Shiva and Maha Kaali, saying her guru determined the timing of her spiritual initiation. Videos of her speaking about religious philosophy and her journey toward sainthood have gone viral, further fueling curiosity about her new role.
Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, the president of the Kinnar Akhara, revealed that Kulkarni had been in dialogue with the organization for over a year. The actress-turned-spiritual leader has expressed a willingness to engage in devotional art while contributing to the Akhara’s mission. Her induction as Mahamandleshwar has created a unique intersection of Bollywood glamour and spiritual devotion, capturing widespread attention at the Mahakumbh Mela.
The Mahakumbh Mela, held once every 12 years, is among the largest spiritual gatherings in the world. Millions of devotees from across India and abroad participate in the event to seek blessings and cleanse their sins in the holy rivers.
