The Transformation of Mamta Kulkarni: From Film Star to Spiritual Leader

Mamta Kulkarni, a celebrated actress from the 90s, has made headlines with her recent spiritual journey after a long absence from the film industry. Known for her past collaborations with Salman Khan, she has now embraced a new identity as Mahamandaleshwar Mamtanand Giri. This article delves into her unique experiences, including a surprising culinary incident involving deer meat, and the ongoing controversies surrounding Salman Khan's alleged hunting activities. Join us as we explore the fascinating transformation of this once-famous star.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 2, 2026, 21:16 IST

Who is Mamta Kulkarni?

Mamta Kulkarni, a prominent actress from the 1990s, gained fame through her collaborations with Salman Khan. However, she made a surprising exit from the film industry at the peak of her career, relocating abroad. After a 25-year hiatus, she has returned to India.

Recently, she has been in the spotlight due to her decision to renounce worldly life during the ongoing Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Now known as Mahamandaleshwar Mamtanand Giri, she was conferred this title by a transgender community, although she faced controversy that led to her removal from the position.

The Actress's Unique Culinary Experience

Mamta once recounted an incident during an advertisement shoot where she was served a buffet of non-vegetarian dishes. Reflecting on this experience in a talk show, she mentioned that the entire crew dined together each night, and the food was exclusively meat-based. She found the meal 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? A person might eat chicken or mutton, but deer meat is unusual.' During this shoot, actress Ameesha Patel was also present and made a sarcastic comment about Mamta, which strained their relationship.

Salman Khan's Controversial Hunting Incident

The controversy surrounding Salman Khan dates back to 1998 during the filming of 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' in Jodhpur. He was accused of hunting blackbucks alongside co-stars Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, and Karisma Kapoor in the Bhavad village, where a blackbuck was reportedly killed on the night of September 27-28, 1998.

Salman has consistently denied these allegations, claiming he never hunted blackbucks. 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.