
Marpal Singh Verma-
Freelance Journalist
Many consider success and material comfort to be the ultimate goal of life, but who knows where and how life will lead? The transformation of a famous Bollywood heroine into a Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara compels us to think deeply.
The glamorous world in which Mamta Kulkarni lived for a long time may seem alluring, but it is equally challenging. Her life was no exception. As her popularity grew, controversies also became a part of her journey. However, the path of renunciation she has chosen, leaving behind a life filled with glamour and opulence, is not an easy turn. Adopting the path of renunciation is difficult for anyone. But now that Mamta Kulkarni has taken this step and started seeking spiritual peace, there must be significant reasons behind it.
Making a name in Mumbai’s dream city is the aspiration of millions of youth. Every young person wants to step into the dazzling world of Bollywood and establish their identity in it. Mamta Kulkarni also had this dream, which she realized. In the 1990s, Mamta was one of the most beautiful and popular actresses. She carved a unique identity in Bollywood with films like Waqt Hamara Hai, China Gate, Sabse Bada Khiladi, Krantiveer, Baazi, and Karan-Arjun. However, the way she changed the direction of her life after reaching the pinnacle of glamour and success speaks volumes about the ups and downs she faced.
On one hand, her glamorous photoshoots and bold personality kept her in the media spotlight, while on the other hand, her name was associated with several controversies. Gradually, she distanced herself from the film industry. After disappearing from the world of cinema, Mamta Kulkarni chose the path of spirituality. She removed herself from media and public life. Slowly, her inclination toward spirituality deepened. Her 2013 book ‘Autobiography of an Yogini’ also hinted at this direction. Mamta had said a decade ago that some people are born for worldly tasks, while others are born for God. “I, too, am born for God,” she had declared.
Following this ideology, Mamta has now distanced herself from the film world and fully embraced spirituality. During the Maha Kumbh, the Kinnar Akhara honored her with the title of Mahamandaleshwar. After embracing renunciation, Mamta has also been given a new name, Mamta Nand Giri. After witnessing many ups and downs in life, Mamta perhaps decided to become a renunciate, believing that true happiness and peace are not found in the external world but in the depths of the soul.
Her journey from a glamorous actress to a Mahamandaleshwar conveys the message that life can begin anew at any point. Despite being surrounded by controversies and struggles, Mamta has chosen her own path and is now striving to establish herself at new heights through spirituality.
Although this journey belongs to Mamta Kulkarni, it also forces us to reflect on what the true purpose of life is and what steps we can take to achieve it. Until now, Mamta’s story was solely linked to Bollywood, but today, her story resonates with anyone seeking change and self-realization in life.