Mamta Kulkarni Resigns as Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhara Amid Backlash

Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni, now known as Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nandgiri, resigns from her post in the Kinnar Akhara, citing opposition despite her 25 years of penance.

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Sumit Kumar
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Mamta Kulkarni

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi: Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni, who had embraced spirituality and taken the name Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nandgiri, has announced her resignation from the Kinnar Akhara amid growing backlash.

In a video message, Kulkarni stated that she was stepping down due to opposition from certain quarters despite her long spiritual journey.

"I, Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nandgiri, am resigning from this post. The respect given to me was for my 25 years of penance, but some people have a problem with me being Mahamandaleshwar," she said.

Kulkarni’s appointment had been met with criticism from some sections within the Akhara, leading to tensions over her role. The Kinnar Akhara, a religious sect for the transgender community, has been gaining prominence in Hindu religious circles, and internal disagreements over leadership positions have occasionally surfaced.