"...It was all in God's hands": Mamta Kulkarni on controversy around her appointment as Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada
New Delhi [India], May 30 (ANI): Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni talked about the controversy around her appointment as Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
In January, Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, Laxmi Narayan, announced that Mamta Kulkarni has embarked on a spiritual role as the Mahamandleshwar.
However, later Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of Kinnar Akhada, has expelled both Mamta Kulkarni and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from the Akhada.
The decision comes in the wake of the controversial appointment of Mamta Kulkarni, a former Bollywood actress with a checkered past, as Mahamandaleshwar. Tripathi had allegedly appointed Kulkarni without the founder's consent, an act that has sparked considerable outrage.
Speaking to ANI, she said, '...It was all in God's hands for me to become Mahamandaleshwar in that Kumbh, which was such a holy occasion in 140 years. God provided me with the fruits of 25 years of my 'tapasya'. So, that happened.'
According to a press release issued on January 30, 2025, Rishi Ajay Das noted, 'As the founder of Kinnar Akhada, I am hereby relieving Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from his position as Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, effective immediately. His appointment was made with the goal of promoting religious activities and uplifting the transgender community, but he has deviated from these responsibilities.'
The controversy revolves around an agreement Tripathi entered into with Juna Akhada in 2019, which Ajay Das claims was allegedly done without his approval. He further alleged that the contract between the two Akhadas was legally invalid due to the lack of his consent and signature. Moreover, Ajay Das accused Tripathi of undermining the tenets of the Kinnar Akhada by allowing Mamta Kulkarni to join and take on the prestigious role of Mahamandaleshwar despite her past involvement in criminal activities.
Ajay Das explained that Mamta Kulkarni's appointment was particularly concerning because she had a criminal history.'By giving such a person the title of Mahamandaleshwar, what kind of guru are you offering to Sanatan Dharma? This is a question of ethics,' he wrote.
The founder emphasized that this appointment was not only unethical but also a betrayal of the Akhada's religious values.
The expulsion of both individuals has ignited debates within the spiritual community, with the President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri, speaking out in support of Tripathi and Kulkarni.
Puri challenged the legitimacy of Ajay Das's decision, saying, 'I want to ask, who is he (Rishi Ajay Das) to expel Laxmi Narayan Tripathi?'He also reiterated that both Tripathi and Kulkarni would continue their roles within the Akhada and participate in the upcoming Amrit Snan.
The controversy over Mamta Kulkarni's appointment as Mahamandaleshwar began when Acharya Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi publicly announced the decision during the Maha Kumbh.
Mamta Kulkarni, who was known for her roles in popular 1990s Bollywood films, had stepped away from the limelight in the early 2000s.
However, she made a return to India and was granted the position of Mahamandaleshwar by Tripathi, an act which has now come under heavy scrutiny.
Transgender Kathavachak Jagatguru Himangi Sakhi Maa had earlier raised concerns over Kulkarni's appointment, questioning her credibility and linking her past to criminal activities.'Mamta Kulkarni has been made Mahamandaleshwar for publicity. Society knows her past very well. She was even jailed in the past in connection with drug cases. This needs investigation,' Himangi Sakhi said in a conversation with ANI.
Mamta Kulkarni later stepped down from her role as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada after facing heavy backlash and internal disputes.
Her resignation follows questions about her spiritual standing and her past in the film industry.
The Kinnar Akhada had earlier expelled the 'Karan Arjun' actress and her mentor, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, citing tensions within the religious group.
Kulkarni announced her resignation in a video shared on her Instagram. 'Main Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nandagiri, main iss post se istifa de rahi hoon. Aaj Kinnar Akhade ya dono akhade ke beech jo mujhe leke problems ho rahi hain. Main ek Sadhvi thi 25 saal se aur main Sadhvi hi rahungi,' she said.
'Bollywood ko maine 25 saal pehle chhoda. Main apne aap gayab rahi. Warna makeup se, Bollywood se itna door kaun rehta hai?' she added. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
US Second Lady Usha Vance Recalls India Visit, Praises PM Modis Leadership
New Delhi: US Second Lady Usha Vance recently shared her family's unforgettable experience in India, describing their meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "very special". Her children, Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel, affectionately referred to PM Modi as "grandfather" and warmly hugged him during their visit to his residence in Delhi, she said. In a conversation at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum in Washington, DC, on Monday (local time), Vance called the visit to India a "trip of a lifetime for them" and added that it was her children's first visit to India. The Second Lady expressed her delight in experiencing Indian culture and cuisine during their stay. She also spoke about visiting places in North India, including the Taj Mahal, and enjoying Indian food. #WATCH | Washington DC | I think it was a very productive conversation for JD (Vance) and the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi), of course. But also, I think it was a real opportunity for us to kind of cement that personal relationship that they have, which I think is only to the… — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2025 Asked about her India visit, she said, "It was the trip of a lifetime for us. My children had never been to India, what with the pandemic and JD's entry into politics and all that. And so they'd grown up just knowing so much about this country, the stories. food, the relationships with grandparents and friends, but they had never actually seen it. So it was just sort of mind-blowing from their perspective. And then for me and JD, I think it just could not have been any more special. We had the opportunity to see some of the greatest sites in North India. We're looking forward to our next trip and trying to get to the parts of the country where my family is from as well. And it just was sort of one hit after another, right? The most incredible food, the peacocks that we got to see, everywhere we went, getting to see the Taj Mahal in the morning and appreciate it as the sun was just sort of coming up, and the cool skies and blue skies over in the background." Vance recalled how her kids had met PM Modi in Paris, and he had given her five-year-old son a birthday present that day. She said PM Modi was very kind and generous to the kids, and the talks between PM Modi and US Vice President JD Vance were "productive." She also spoke about seeing a puppet show in India, which included bits from Ramayana. Usha Vance said, "Meeting the Prime Minister, that was really very special. We'd actually had a chance to meet him before. And it's funny, my kids saw him. They were sort of sleep deprived in Paris, and they saw an Indian man with a white beard and white hair, and they just put him in the grandfather category immediately. They are very into him. They just love him. And he cemented his status by giving our five-year-old a birthday present that day. So, when we were able to visit his home, they just sort of ran up. They were hugging him. He was just incredibly kind and generous to them." "I think it was a very productive conversation for JD and the Prime Minister, of course. But also, think it was a real opportunity for us to kind of cement that personal relationship that they have, which I think is only to the good. And as you mentioned, there was a puppet show. That was a particular highlight with sort of puppeteering from all over the country, including from Andhra Pradesh, where my family is from. There were bits from the Ramayana. There were sort of comedic bits with animals, and it was a huge hit. My kids have been trying to recreate a home of construction paper, which is going about as well as you can imagine," she added. #WATCH | In a conversation at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum in Washington, DC, US Second Lady Usha Vance recalls her visit to India and her children's experience meeting PM Modi. She says, "When we were at the Prime Minister's residence, our son was just so taken by… — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2025 Talking about her children's individual experiences, Usha Vance shared that her eldest son, Ewan, was particularly captivated by the temple sculptures, while her middle child, Vivek, was thrilled to see elephants, camels, and peacocks. Her daughter's favorite moment was a ride in an auto-rickshaw. Talking about her children's experience in India, Vance said, "I think JD has probably told the story at some point, but when we were at the Prime Minister's residence, our son was just so taken by everything and then taken by the entire cart of mangoes that was available for him to eat, that he announced to the Prime Minister that he thought he could maybe live there and started making his our children, they talk about it all the time. They've been all over the place and they've had wonderful opportunities to see the world, but this was special to them. Ewan, our oldest, was really taken by the sculptures in the temple that he visited. He just thought it was incredible craftsmanship and of course showed things that he was very familiar with from stories and from talking with me." "And then, Vivek, our middle child, was very excited to meet elephants and peacocks and a camel and just any animal that he could kind of get his hands on. And then our daughter thinks she's sort of along for the ride. She enjoyed her time in an auto rickshaw. That was maybe the highlight for her. The Secret Service was very generous and allowed us to kind of drive in an enclosed area for a few minutes. So we had a lot of fun with that," she added. JD Vance and his family were on a four-day official visit to India in April. During the visit, PM Modi hosted Vice President Vance and his family at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence in New Delhi. During the visit, the children had several playful moments with the Prime Minister. From exploring the lawns to seeing the bird feeder inquisitively, the children indulged in an immersive experience at the Prime Minister's residence. While inside, PM Modi shared several lively moments with Ewan, Vivek, and little Mirabel. PM Modi presented the three children with peacock feathers. Mirabel Vance was seen enjoying a heartwarming moment with her father, holding the feather. JD Vance, accompanied by Usha Vance and their children, visited the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. They also visited Amber Fort in Jaipur, Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Delhi, and the Central Cottage Industries Emporium. The Vance family had a fantastic time exploring North India, visiting iconic sites such as the Amber Fort in Jaipur and the Taj Mahal in Agra. They also enjoyed traditional Rajasthani folk dances, including Kacchi Ghodi, Ghoomar, and Kalbeliya, which showcased the rich cultural heritage of India. The visit wasn't just about sightseeing; US Vice President JD Vance also held crucial talks with PM Modi, focusing on strengthening the US-India strategic partnership. Key discussion points included finalizing a bilateral trade agreement, enhancing cooperation in energy, defense, and strategic technologies, and promoting dialogue and diplomacy on regional and global issues.
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
‘His silence roared…': Anand Mahindra calls ‘GOAT' Carlsen's ‘tantrum' a compliment for world champion Gukesh
In a powerful message for the Indian chess sensation, industrialist Anand Mahindra hailed Gukesh Dommaraju for his calm victory over five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen, saying the Indian Grandmaster's silent composure was louder than the Norwegian legend's visible frustration. Calling Carlsen 'GOAT', Mahindra shared a clip of the former slamming his fist into a table after suffering his first defeat by Gukesh in a classical game in Stavanger during the Norway Chess 2025 tournament. 'His silence roared louder than Carlsen's exit," Mahindra wrote in a post on X. 'Carlsen's visible frustration at the end wasn't just a tantrum — it was the greatest compliment the World Champion could receive from the GOAT. No fist pump. No smirk. Gukesh didn't need one. His silence roared louder than Carlsen's exit," he wrote. On Sunday, Carlsen had his opponent on the ropes for much of the match in the Norway Chess 2025 tournament but his composure cracked under the pressure of a ticking clock and he committed a blunder that handed India's Gukesh a decisive advantage, a Reuters report said. Carlsen slammed his fist on the table after the defeat before exchanging a quick handshake with Gukesh, apologising for his outburst and storming off. Magnus Carlsen's outburst left Gukesh shell-shocked on Sunday, although the world champion said he also sometimes loses his temper over the board. "I mean, (the win was) not the way I wanted it to be, but okay, I'll take it," Gukesh told "... I've also banged a lot of tables in my career." Carlsen hailed the reigning world champion Gukesh for his "fighting spirit" and praised him for capitalising on the opportunity during their encounter in the ongoing Norway Chess 2025. Carlsen had an upper hand over Gukesh for most of the match, but in the end, he couldn't control his nerves, and the teenager turned the tables around and went on to win the match. "I think like I remember being at that age myself. Sometimes our energy and fighting qualities is bigger than the quality of your moves. So for a long time, he was more or less blindly pushing, and then on a normal day, I won that game, and things work quite differently. The thing he does well is he really fights very well. He was there to take his chance, and he deserves credit for that, but that's the kind of chance that I really have to put away; otherwise, I have no chance," Magnus Carlsen told ANI after his win over Hikaru Nakamura on Monday. The 19-year-old world champion also became the second Indian player to beat Carlsen in the competition's history after grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. Following the win, Gukesh had jumped to third spot in the Norway Chess 2025 points table with 8.5 points, and now he is just one point behind Carlsen and American Fabiano Caruana. (With inputs from agencies)
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Grandfather category': Usha Vance recalls how her kids bonded with PM Modi during India visit
Vance family's visit to India in April (ANI photo) US Vice President JD Vance's wife, Usha Vance, on Monday heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his hospitality after the Vance family visited India in April. Usha said meeting PM Modi was very special, and her kids put him in the "grandfather category" after meeting him. "Meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that was really very special. My kids saw him — they were sort of sleep-deprived in Paris, and they saw an Indian man with a white beard and white hair, and they just put him in the grandfather category immediately," Usha said. "They are very into him; they just love him, and he really cemented his status by giving our five-year-old a birthday present that day. When we were able to visit his home, they just sort of ran up. They were hugging him. He was just incredibly kind and generous to them," said US Second Lady Usha Vance on meeting PM Modi during their visit to India. Usha claimed that JD Vance had a very productive conversation with PM Modi, and the visit was a real opportunity for them to "cement the personal relationship." "I think it was a very productive conversation for JD Vance and the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi), of course. But also, I think it was a real opportunity for us to kind of cement that personal relationship that they have, which I think is only to the good," she said. "There was a puppet show that was a particular highlight, with sort of puppeteering from all over the country, including from Andhra Pradesh, where my family is from. There were bits from the Ramayana, there were sort of comedic bits with animals, and it was a huge hit. My kids have been trying to recreate it at home with construction paper," said US Second Lady Usha Vance on meeting PM Modi and their visit to India. JD Vance, along with his family, was on a four-day visit to India, which was also his first official visit to the country since assuming office. JD Vance is married to Usha Chilukuri Vance, a Yale Law graduate and accomplished attorney whose family hails from Andhra Pradesh. Fluent in Telugu and deeply connected to her cultural heritage, Usha is one of the most prominent Indian-American women in conservative legal circles. She's also been a transformative influence in JD's life—not just personally, but spiritually.
