Mamta Kulkarni: From Bollywood Stardom to Underworld Links and ₹2000 Crore Drug Case, Now Embraces Sanyas
Surprising many, social media users questioned Mamta Kulkarni’s decision, with some commenting that certain individuals have turned the sacred Kumbh Mela into a “spectacle.”
A popular actress of the 1990s, who faded into obscurity due to rising controversies and alleged links with the underworld, Mamta Kulkarni renounced worldly life at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela. Under the Kinnar Akhara, she performed the ‘Pind Daan’ ritual and took ‘sanyas,’ saying, “I have been practicing penance for the past 23 years.” Her decision left many shocked, with social media users debating whether the sacred gathering had been trivialized.
Mamta Kulkarni’s rise in the industry was meteoric, but it was short-lived. Controversies followed her closely, ultimately leading to her gradual exit from the industry. She worked in numerous Bollywood and South Indian films, some of which were major hits. However, in recent years, Kulkarni was rarely seen on the screen.
#WATCH | #MahaKumbh2025 | Former actress Mamta Kulkarni performs her ‘Pind Daan’ at Sangam Ghat in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, Laxmi Narayan said that Kinnar akhada is going to make her a Mahamandleshwar. She has been named as Shri Yamai… pic.twitter.com/J3fpZXOjBb
— ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2025
Mamta Kulkarni’s Bollywood Journey: Did Her Bold Image Work in Her Favor?
She debuted in 1992 with Tirangaa and gained recognition with her role in Aashiq Awara (1993). Within less than a decade, she acted in over 50 films across Bollywood and South Indian cinema. Often playing romantic roles, she also capitalized on her bold image. Filmmakers frequently wanted her to feature in their movie songs. Tracks like Koi Jaye To Le Aaye from Ghatak, Mera Dil Tere Liye from Sabse Bada Khiladi, and Choodiyan Bajaoongi from Be-Taj Badshah became popular hits in the 1990s.
Links with an Underworld Don
In 1998, Mamta Kulkarni’s alleged relationship with underworld don Chhota Rajan came to light. It was believed that director Rajkumar Santoshi cast her in China Gate. However, due to certain issues, she was dropped midway through the project. Despite having shot extensively with co-stars Naseeruddin Shah and Amrish Puri, she was reportedly reinstated into the film after receiving threats from Rajan and his associates.
The movie ultimately flopped at the box office. Kulkarni later accused Santoshi of making advances toward her during the shoot and blamed him for reducing her screen time in the final cut. She was reportedly upset over the popularity of the song Chamma Chamma, filmed on Urmila Matondkar.
Controversial Ties with a Drug Dealer and Marriage Rumors
Riding on her popularity, Kulkarni performed at various events in Dubai during the late 1990s. It was during one such show that she reportedly met Vicky Goswami, a drug dealer with connections to international smuggling rings. When Goswami was arrested and imprisoned, he allegedly entrusted his legal businesses to Kulkarni.
In 2013, Mamta Kulkarni reportedly married Goswami. However, she consistently denied the marriage when questioned. In 2016, she was named an accused in a ₹2,000 crore drug case involving Goswami. By that time, she was living outside India and was declared a fugitive. Kulkarni later told ANI, “I am no longer in touch with him. The last time I spoke to him was in 2016.”
Return to India After Over Two Decades
Mamta Kulkarni shared that her journey outside India began in 2000, and now, in 2024, she has finally returned. She said she was overwhelmed when the plane approached India, and seeing her country from above after two decades made her emotional. Overcome by the significance of her return, she even shed tears as she exited Mumbai’s international airport.
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