The recent flurry of activity surrounding Mamta Kulkarni, the esteemed actress who made headlines with her association with the Kinnar Akhada, has sparked intense debate and curiosity. It was in 2025, at the Mahakumbh, that Mamta Kulkarni was formally inducted as the Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, following a series of traditional rituals. This significant event marked a turning point in her life, as she adopted the name Yamai Mamtanand Giri. However, her tenure was short-lived, marred by controversy that ultimately led to her resignation. In a surprising twist, it was later revealed that her resignation was not accepted.
In a recent podcast conversation with Shubhankar Mishra, Mahamandaleshwar Dr. Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi shed light on the circumstances surrounding Mamta Kulkarni’s induction and subsequent resignation. Dr. Tripathi revealed that Mamta had been in touch with her for over two and a half years, during which time she had been immersed in the traditions and practices of the Sanatan Dharma. Mamta’s desire to dedicate her life to the cause of the Sanatan Dharma and her spiritual pursuits led her to seek the blessings of the Juna Akhade’s Swami, who had earlier initiated her into the fold. It was on a fateful Friday, during the Kumbh festivities, that Mamta approached Dr. Tripathi with a heartfelt request – to be anointed as the Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada. This pivotal moment was marked by a deep sense of spiritual connection, as Mamta sought to surrender herself to the higher purpose of the Sanatan Dharma.
Dr. Tripathi also addressed the controversy surrounding Mamta’s past associations, including her alleged links with Abu Salem and her involvement in a drug-related case. While acknowledging the veracity of these claims, Dr. Tripathi emphasized that Mamta had already been absolved of these charges, and it was only after a thorough investigation that the Kinnar Akhada had deemed her fit for the position of Mahamandaleshwar. In a thought-provoking remark, Dr. Tripathi posed a rhetorical question – what if Mamta had chosen to convert to Islam, would the same section of society that was now criticizing her have reacted differently?
Regarding Mamta’s resignation, Dr. Tripathi clarified that the Kinnar Akhada had not accepted her resignation, citing the fact that she had already withdrawn it. The entire episode had been marred by controversy, which had taken a toll on Mamta, prompting her to reconsider her decision. Dr. Tripathi expressed empathy for Mamta’s situation, stating that she had been subjected to undue pressure and that the Akhada had not formally relieved her of her duties.
When questioned about the rumors surrounding Mamta’s alleged possession by Maa Kali, Dr. Tripathi tactfully sidestepped the issue, choosing instead to focus on Mamta’s inherent qualities. She described Mamta as an intelligent and level-headed individual, while also emphasizing that the question of whether Maa Kali had indeed possessed her was a matter of personal faith, one that only Mamta herself could answer. As a devout follower of the Sanatan Dharma, Dr. Tripathi underscored the importance of respecting individual beliefs and experiences, without seeking to impose one’s own interpretations or judgments.