Mamta Kulkarni

Mamta Kulkarni (born 20 April 1972) is an Indian former actress and model turned Monk known for her work in Hindi cinema. One of the most successful actresses of her time, she has appeared in several commercially successful Hindi films such as Waqt Hamara Hai (1993), Krantiveer (1994), Karan Arjun (1995), Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995), Andolan (1995), Baazi (1996), China Gate (1998) and Chhupa Rustam (2001). Her performance in Aashiq Awara (1993) won her the 1994 Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. She quit the film industry after her appearance in the film Kabhie Tum Kabhie Hum.

After a long controversial life and disappearance of more than 20 years, Mamta announced her Sannyasa and became Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar akhara during 2025 Prayag Maha Kumbh Mela in presence of Acharaya Mahamandaleshvar of the same akhara, Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi. She performed all the rituals including Pindadanam, Pattabhishekam, etc., after which she adopted the new name Yamai Mamta Nand Giri.

In January 2025, Rishi Ajai Das, founder of Kinnar Akhara expelled Mamta from akhara with activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and also removed both from the post of Mahamandaleshwar citing connection of Mamta with D-Company and gangster Dawood Ibrahim.