Watch: "Egoistic people have a problem with me..," Mamta Kulkarni resigns as Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhada

Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni has stepped down from her role as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, following controversy and internal conflicts. Her resignation comes after criticism questioning her spiritual background and her past in the film industry. The Kinnar Akhada has also expelled her and her mentor, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, due to tensions within the religious group.

Why did she resign?

In a video statement, Kulkarni announced her resignation, saying: "I, Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nandgiri, am stepping down from this position. Some people have a problem with me holding this role, despite my 25 years of penance."


She expressed frustration that her past in Bollywood was being used against her. "I left the film industry 25 years ago and disappeared on my own. Who else stays away from makeup and glamour for so long?" she asked.

Kulkarni defended her spiritual journey, saying she did not need approval from critics. "My Guru, Shri Chaitanya Gagangiri Maharaj, was a great spiritual leader. I have spent 25 years in penance with him. I don’t need to visit places like Kailash or the Himalayas, because all worlds are already before me."

Internal conflicts and money disputes

Kulkarni also spoke about the issues within the Akhada, claiming that some members were driven by ego and lacked true spiritual knowledge. "These people are too focused on their egos and disconnected from true wisdom. They fight among themselves and don’t understand real spirituality," she said.

She also mentioned financial troubles related to her appointment. "When I was asked for Rs 2 lakh, I didn’t have it. Jai Ambagiri Mahamandaleshwar gave it from his pocket. The money I have comes from deep penance, not material wealth."

In her closing remarks, she returned her title. "This post was a certificate for sharing knowledge, but maybe it's a sign that I should step away. I return it with gratitude. Namaste."

Violence at Mahakumbh Nagar

Soon after Kulkarni’s resignation, a shocking incident took place at Mahakumbh Nagar. A group of young men stormed the camp of Kinnar Akhada chief Jagadguru Himangi Sakhi on Saturday (8 February). Reports say they vandalised the camp and even attempted to take Himangi Sakhi hostage, leading to chaos and serious security concerns.