Mamta Kulkarni's Appointment as Mahamandaleshwar at Maha Kumbh Draws Mixed Reactions

The former Bollywood actress's elevation to a spiritual leadership role has sparked debate among saints, citing her past and rapid rise.

Mamta Kulkarni, a former Bollywood actress, was recently ordained as a Mahamandaleshwar by the Kinnar Akhara at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
Her appointment has faced criticism from prominent saints, including Baba Ramdev and Dhirendra Shastri, who questioned her eligibility and rapid rise to sainthood.
Supporters, including Kinnar Akhara president Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, defended Kulkarni's spiritual transformation, citing her commitment and rituals performed during the consecration.
Kulkarni, who left Bollywood in the early 2000s and faced legal controversies, recently returned to India after receiving a clean chit in a drug-related case.
The debate highlights differing perspectives within the spiritual community on the criteria for attaining leadership roles and the intersection of past actions with spiritual growth.