“Dawood is not a terrorist, I’ve never met him”

Speaking to the media, Mamta Kulkarni claimed that Dawood Ibrahim—the prime accused in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts—is not a terrorist and did not carry out any such attacks. “Dawood Ibrahim did not orchestrate the blasts, and I have never met him in my life,” she said, dismissing any association with him.

Mamta emphasized that her life has taken a complete turn from fame and controversy toward spirituality. “I am now completely devoted to the path of spirituality. I have no connection with politics or the film industry,” she said.

Visit to Gorakhnath Temple and meeting with saints

Mamta arrived in Gorakhpur on a three-day spiritual tour and paid homage at the Gorakhnath Temple, one of the most revered shrines in the Nath tradition. She offered prayers to Baba Gorakshanath, interacted with saints and mahants, and also participated in the evening bhajan program held in the temple premises.

Her visit drew the attention of devotees and locals alike, as many remembered her from her film days before she renounced the world to embrace spirituality.

From Bollywood stardom to the life of a sadhvi

Mamta Kulkarni, who has featured in over 100 Hindi films, said that while she had achieved fame, wealth, and glamour, none of it brought her lasting peace. “I was born in a Brahmin family, and my grandmother named me Yamai. I experienced everything the world had to offer—fame, love, success—but real happiness came only at my guru’s feet,” she said.

Mamta shared that her life changed after meeting Guru Gagangiri Maharaj of the Nath sect in 1995. Following his guidance, she adopted celibacy and began intense penance, dedicating 12 years of her life to meditation and spiritual discipline. Between 2016 and 2025, she says, she continued her deep meditation and ultimately experienced enlightenment.

In 2025, during the Mahakumbh, Mamta was formally recognized for her spiritual pursuits and was given the title of Mahamandaleshwar, along with the name Yamai Mamta Nand Giri.

Her views on Chhath Puja and Sanatan Dharma

During her interaction with reporters, Mamta also spoke about Chhath Puja, describing it as one of the most sacred festivals in Sanatan Dharma. She said the ritual dates back to the times of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, symbolizing devotion to the Sun God and Mother Nature. “Chhath Puja represents the gratitude of humanity towards nature’s energy. Today, it is not just a regional tradition but a major festival celebrated across India,” she added.

A life away from films and fame

Mamta reiterated that she has completely detached herself from worldly life. She no longer follows politics or the film world and prefers solitude and meditation. “My association with the Nath sect is purely spiritual. I have renounced everything worldly to follow the teachings of my guru and dedicate myself to the service of humanity,” she said.

With her bold statements on Dawood Ibrahim and reflections on her spiritual journey, Mamta Kulkarni has once again sparked public curiosity—this time not as a film star, but as a mystic walking the path of renunciation and faith.