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The appointment of former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni as Mahamandleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada during the Maha Kumbh festival has sparked controversy. Jagatguru Himangi Sakhi Maa, a transgender Kathavachak, voiced her concerns over the decision, citing Kulkarni's controversial past.

Speaking to ANI, Himangi Sakhi Maa questioned the credibility of the decision to induct Mamta Kulkarni, highlighting her previous links to controversies, including alleged connections with D-Company and her involvement in a drug case.

Himangi Sakhi Maa stated, “The Kinnar Akhada was established for the Kinnar community. If women are being inducted into the Akhada, then its name should be changed. A person with such a controversial background should not be anointed as Mahamandleshwar without proper consideration.”

Kinnar Mahamandaleshwar Hemangi Sakhi Maa said, If it is Kinnar Akhada and you have started giving positions to women, then rename the Akhada. Several other film stars have come to this Maha Kumbh to take holy dip...We never commented on anyone. But do we have to comment today? A film star like Mamta Kulkarni, who has links to D Company. who was sent to jail in a drug case...The entire world knows this. Despite that you give her 'deeksha' and anoint her as Mahamandaleshwar without offering her any 'shiksha'...What kind of 'Guru' are you giving to society?...What was the reason behind anointing her as the Mahamandaleshwar? Pattabhishek was performed but 'mundan' was not performed? Is that reasonable? Mamta Kulkarni's background should have been looked into. She has connections with D Company. She returned to India suddenly, her videos went viral. She arrived at Kumbh suddenly, her videos went viral. And then she is anointed as Mahamandaleshwar. What are the facts behind this? This should be investigated. I strongly condemn this...What else is this, if not a publicity stunt?..In these times, an Akhada can do anything for publicity. I condemn this..."

On Friday, Mamta Kulkarni performed 'pind daan' at Sangham Ghat in Prayagraj. Speaking to ANI, the former actor said, "This was the will of Mahadev, Maha Kaali, and my Guru. They chose this day; I merely followed their command." Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, Laxmi Narayan, announced that Mamta Kulkarni has embraced a spiritual role as the Mahamandleshwar.

"Kinnar Akhada is appointing Mamta Kulkarni, the former Bollywood actress, as a Mahamandleshwar. She will now be known as Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri. As we speak, all the rituals are being conducted. She has been in contact with Kinnar Akhada and me for the past one and a half years," Laxmi Narayan said. "She is free to embody any devotional character she wishes, as we do not restrict anyone from expressing their devotion through art."

Who is Mamta Kulkarni?

Mamta Kulkarni, a prominent Bollywood actress from the 1990s, recently returned to Mumbai after a prolonged absence. Known for her performances in blockbuster films such as Karan Arjun and Baazi, Mamta shared the screen with top actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, cementing her status as a popular star of her time.

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Last year, the Bombay High Court dismissed criminal charges against Kulkarni in connection with a Rs 2,000 crore drugs case. The division bench, comprising Justice Bharati Dangre and Justice Manjusha Deshpande, quashed the case, citing insufficient evidence against her.