Mamata Kulkarni: From Bollywood Fame to Spiritual Awakening

Mamata Kulkarni, a well-known actress from the 90s, has made headlines once again after her return to India following a long absence. Known for her roles alongside Salman Khan, she has recently embraced a spiritual path, renouncing her past during the Kumbh Mela. This article delves into her controversial history, including her taste for deer meat and the infamous hunting allegations against Salman Khan. Join us as we explore her fascinating transformation and the reactions from the community.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 13, 2026, 20:17 IST

Introduction to the Actress

Mamata Kulkarni, a prominent actress from the 90s, gained fame through her collaborations with Salman Khan. However, at the peak of her career, she made a surprising decision to leave the film industry and relocate abroad. After a hiatus of 25 years, she has returned to India.

Who is Mamata Kulkarni?

Recently, Mamata Kulkarni has been in the spotlight again, particularly due to her decision to renounce worldly life during the ongoing Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. She is now known as Mahamandaleshwar Mamtanand Giri, a title conferred upon her by a hijra akhara, although she was later removed from this position amid controversy.

The Actress and Her Taste for Deer Meat

Mamata once recounted an incident during an advertisement shoot where she was served a buffet of non-vegetarian food. Reflecting on this experience in a talk show, she mentioned that the entire crew dined together each night, consuming only meat dishes. She found the food unappetizing and struggled to chew the meat. Upon raising her concerns, she learned from Mr. Bajaj that it was deer meat, which left her astonished.

She remarked, 'Who eats deer meat? People eat chicken or mutton, but deer meat is rare.' During this shoot, actress Ameesha Patel was also present and made a sarcastic comment about Mamata, which led to a rift between them.

Salman Khan's Controversial Deer Case

The controversy surrounding Salman Khan dates back to 1998 when he was accused of hunting a blackbuck while filming 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' in Jodhpur. On the night of September 27-28, 1998, a blackbuck was reportedly killed at the Ghodha farmhouse.

Salman Khan has consistently denied these allegations, claiming he never hunted a blackbuck. Recently, his father, Salim Khan, defended him in the media, stating that Salman has never harmed even a cockroach.

However, this statement has angered the Bishnoi community, who have accused Salim Khan of lying, asserting that Salman did indeed kill and consume a blackbuck.