Mamta Kulkarni

Mamta Kulkarni (born 20 April 1972) is an Indian former actress and model turned Hindu monk known for her work in Hindi cinema. One of the most successful actresses of her time, she has appeared in several commercially successful Hindi films such as Waqt Hamara Hai (1993), Krantiveer (1994), Karan Arjun (1995), Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995), Andolan (1995), Baazi (1996), China Gate (1998) and Chhupa Rustam: A Musical Thriller (2001). Her performance in Aashiq Awara (1993) won her the 1994 Filmfare Award for Lux New Face of the Year. She quit the film industry after her appearance in the film Kabhie Tum Kabhie Hum. After a long controversial life and disappearance of more than 20 years, Mamta announced her sanyas and became Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar akhara during 2025 Prayagraj Mahakumbh in presence of Acharaya Mahamandaleshvar of the same akhara, Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi. She performed all the rituals including Pindadanam, Pattabhishekam, etc., after which she adopted the new name Yamai Mamta Nand Giri. Later on 31 January 2025, Rishi Ajai Das, founder of Kinnar Akhara expelled Mamta from akhara with Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and also removed both from the post of Mahamandaleshwar citing connection of Mamta with underworld and Dawood Ibrahim.