Mamta Kulkarni, the former Bollywood actress turned Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara, recently appeared on the popular Indian TV show Aap Ki Adalat. In a candid conversation with India TV’s Editor-in-Chief Rajat Sharma, Kulkarni discussed a range of topics, including her decision to leave films, the controversies surrounding her transition into spiritual life, and her past experiences in the film industry.
When asked about the possibility of returning to films, Kulkarni firmly stated, “Like milk that turns into ghee, it cannot return to its original form. I will never return to films.”
Addressing allegations that she paid a hefty sum of Rs 10 crore to become Mahamandaleshwar, Kulkarni denied the claims. “I don’t even have Rs 1 crore. My bank accounts are frozen. I had to borrow Rs 2 lakh to offer as dakshina to my guru when I was made Mahamandaleshwar,” she clarified. She also revealed that three of her apartments had been left in disrepair for the past 23 years due to financial difficulties.
Kulkarni further explained her struggles with the legal system, stating that a CBI official had falsely implicated her in a case, which was later dismissed by the High Court.
The actress, known for her roles in hit films such as Karan Arjun, Krantiveer, Tiranga, and Sabse Bada Khiladi, also shared some amusing anecdotes from her time in Bollywood. She recalled how Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan played pranks on her during a dance sequence for Karan Arjun. “They were supposed to dance with me, but the dance master told me that I had to perform alone. I completed the sequence in one take, and then I saw both of them hiding behind bushes, laughing. In the next shot, they were made to walk on their knees, and there were 25 retakes in front of a crowd of 5,000 people,” she said.
When asked whether Salman or Shah Rukh was more mischievous, Kulkarni replied, “Salman was more prankish.”
The former star also reflected on her decision to do an item number in the film Ghatak, despite being a leading actress at the time. “The director, Raj Kumar Santoshi, requested me to do it. The movie had been shelved for seven years because of its lead actress, Meenakshi Seshadri. I approached my dance sequence like I would a stage performance,” she explained.
Kulkarni reiterated that she would not return to the film industry. “I have lived like a sannyasin for 23 years. There is no question of returning to films,” she said. She added that her fans often ask her about a sequel to Karan Arjun, but she is resolute in her decision.
The actress also addressed her controversial semi-nude photoshoot for Stardust magazine, saying that at the time, she was still in ninth grade and did not fully understand the implications of nudity. “I was shown a picture of Demi Moore, and I did not find it obscene. I didn’t know anything about sex or nudity back then. I have not seen any pornography in the last 23 years,” she explained.
When asked about dancing to suggestive lyrics in films, Kulkarni stated, “Like Madhuri Dixit, we dancers focus only on our steps and do not pay attention to the lyrics.”
On the topic of Yoga guru Swami Ramdev’s comment that anyone can become a Mahamandaleshwar by offering money, Kulkarni replied, “I leave that to Ramdev Baba. What should I say?”
Regarding criticism from Bageshwar Dham Baba Dhirendra Shastri, Kulkarni responded, “He is a young Dhirendra Shastri. I have performed penance for 23 years, which is longer than his age. I did not want to become Mahamandaleshwar, but it was the Acharya of the Kinnar Akhara, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, who compelled me.”
Kulkarni also spoke about her spiritual journey, claiming that she spent three months meditating continuously, with some stretches where she didn’t drink water for five days. “On the 15th day, Maa Bhagwati appeared before me,” she said.
The full interview can be watched on India TV, with a repeat airing on Sunday morning and night at 10 PM.
