Mamta Kulkarni Resigns From Kinnar Akhara: 'Egoistic People Have A Problem With Me'

Actress Mamta Kulkarni, now known as Sadhvi, has resigned as Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhara amidst controversy.

Actress Mamta Kulkarni, who recently announced celibacy, has announced her resignation as the Mahamandaldeshwar of Kinnar Akhara. She said while she has resigned from the post, she will continue her spiritual journey by being a “Sadhvi."

“I am resigning from the post of Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhada. I have been ‘sadhvi’ since my childhood and I’ll continue to be so," she said in a video shared on social media. 

Hinting at ego-driven politics within the Akhara, she said, "These people are egoistic and disconnected from Brahma Vidya. They fight among themselves and have no understanding of true knowledge."

The yesteryear actor embarked on her spiritual journey embracing a new identity as “Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri." She assumed the identity as Mahamandaleshwar on January 24 during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. 

However, controversy soon followed as many Hindu leaders opposed her induction as Mahamandleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev also criticised the anointment saying that nobody can attain sainthood “in a single day."

“The great Kumbh festival of Sanatana, where our roots are connected, is a grand celebration. This is a sacred festival Some people associate vulgarity, intoxication, and inappropriate behaviour in the name of Kumbh – this is not the true essence of the Maha Kumbh," said Baba Ramdev, according to PTI.

Soon after her induction, she was expelled by Kinnar Akhara founder Rishi Ajay Das along with Laskhmi Narayan Tripathi who anointed her. 

Announcing her resignation, Kulkarni said she took the step after being hurt by the continuous criticism and allegations against her. She held Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and the head of Ardhanarishwar Dham, Himangi Sakhi, responsible for his resignation.

Das welcomed Kulkarni's resignation saying better late than never. 

The actor rose to fame in the 1990s with her blockbuster films like ‘Karan Arjun’ and ‘Baazi.’ A decade later, in the 2000s, she quit the film industry and relocated abroad, choosing to live a life away from the spotlight.