Former Bollywood Actress Mamta Kulkarni Embraces Monkhood, Becomes ‘Shri Yamai Mamta Nand Giri’

After decades away from the limelight, Kulkarni renounces worldly life, is anointed as Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhara at Maha Kumbh 2025.

In a significant spiritual transformation, former Bollywood star Mamta Kulkarni has renounced her material life to embrace monkhood. On Friday, during the Maha Kumbh 2025 at the sacred Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers—Kulkarni underwent the ‘sanyas diksha’ (initiation into monkhood) ceremony. Following traditional rituals, she was anointed as the Mahamandaleshwar (a high-ranking spiritual leader) of the Kinnar Akhara, a monastic order of transgender ascetics. She will now be known by her spiritual name, ‘Shri Yamai Mamta Nand Giri’.

A video circulating on social media captures the emotional moment Kulkarni, adorned in saffron attire and a Rudraksha garland, breaks down in tears during the ceremony. The footage shows her performing the ‘Pind Daan’ ritual—a rite traditionally conducted to honor deceased ancestors—symbolizing her complete renunciation of worldly ties. She then took a holy dip in the Sangam waters, marking her formal initiation into the ascetic life.

Reflecting on her spiritual journey, the 52-year-old former actress shared that her inclination towards spirituality began in 1996 after meeting Guru Gagan Giri Maharaj. “After his arrival, my interest in spirituality grew, and my penance began,” she stated. Kulkarni left the film industry in 2000 to pursue a life of austerity, spending several years in Dubai, where she lived in a two-bedroom flat and remained celibate for 12 years. She returned to India after 25 years specifically for the Maha Kumbh, culminating in her initiation into monkhood.

Kulkarni’s transformation from a celebrated actress, known for her bold roles in the 1990s, to a spiritual leader marks a profound shift in her life’s path. Her anointment as Mahamandaleshwar signifies her dedication to the propagation and protection of Sanatan Dharma. The ceremony was graced by prominent spiritual leaders, including Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Laxmi Narayan Tripathi of the Kinnar Akhara and Jagadguru Gargacharya Muchkund Peethadheeswar Swami Mahendranand Giri of the Juna Akhada, who bestowed their blessings upon her.