11-Feb-2025, 11:57 AM
Mamta Kulkarni, a former Bollywood actress, has resigned from her position as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, a religious group for transgender individuals, amidst controversy and internal disputes. Kulkarni’s appointment had faced backlash, with critics questioning her past in the film industry and alleged criminal links.
Kulkarni announced her resignation in a video shared on her Instagram account, stating, “Main Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nandagiri, main iss post se istifa de rahi hoon”. This translates to: “I am Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nandagiri, and I am resigning from this post”. She also mentioned the issues arising between the Kinnar Akhada and other Akharas regarding her, emphasizing that she has been a Sadhvi (female ascetic) for 25 years and will remain one. She clarified that she left Bollywood 25 years ago and distanced herself from makeup and glamour.
The controversy surrounding Kulkarni’s appointment arose after Acharya Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi publicly announced the decision during the Maha Kumbh. Transgender Kathavachak Jagatguru Himangi Sakhi Maa raised concerns about Kulkarni’s credibility, citing her past and alleged links to criminal activities. Himangi Sakhi stated that Kulkarni’s appointment was for publicity and that society is well aware of her past, including her alleged involvement in drug cases, which she believes warrants investigation.
Adding to the turmoil, the Kinnar Akhada had reportedly expelled Kulkarni and her mentor, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, due to tensions within the religious group. Rishi Ajay Das, who claims to be the founder of the Kinnar Akhara, stated that Tripathi was being removed from the position of Acharya Mahamandaleshwar for disregarding the principles of Sanatan Dharma and national interest by appointing Kulkarni without following the Akhara’s traditions.
In response, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi defended Kulkarni’s appointment, asserting that she is and will remain a Mahamandaleshwar, as all cases against her have been dismissed5. Tripathi also claimed that Ajay was expelled in 2017 for misusing Kinnar Akhara’s funds and that the Akhara allied with Juna Akhara in 2019, accepting Mahant Hari Giri as their guru.
