Why Kinnar Akhara's founder expelled actor Mamta Kulkarni
What's the story
In a major development, former Bollywood actor Mamta Kulkarni was expelled from the Kinnar Akhara on Friday. The decision comes days after her induction and elevation to the post of Mahamandaleshwar.
The expulsion was ordered by Ajay Das, the founder of Kinnar Akhara.
Notably, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi was also expelled for inducting Kulkarni into the religious order.
Here's more.
Dispute details
Kulkarni's appointment sparked controversy within Kinnar Akhara
Kulkarni's appointment as Mahamandaleshwar had sparked a huge controversy in the Kinnar Akhara.
Das said Kulkarni's induction was done without his consent and was against Sanatana Dharma.
Reportedly, Das and Tripathi were at loggerheads over the matter, with the former threatening to remove Tripathi from their post.
In retaliation, Tripathi alleged Das didn't have the authority to do so.
Leadership uncertainty
Tripathi's response and the future of Kinnar Akhara
Tripathi had earlier told News18 that all decisions in the Kinnar Akhara would be taken transparently.
They also claimed that Das had been expelled from the Kinnar Akhara due to his domestic responsibilities.
This has sparked speculation of a possible review of the Mahamandaleshwar position in the Kinnar Akhara and the appointment of a new leader.
Reports suggest growing internal divisions in the akhara after the incident.
Career transition
Kulkarni's journey from Bollywood to Kinnar Akhara
A prominent Bollywood actor of the 1990s, Kulkarni starred in films such as Karan Arjun (1995), Baazi (1995), and China Gate (1998).
Her Bollywood career came to an abrupt end in the early 2000s when she largely disappeared from public life.
Last week, she took the title of Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj under the spiritual name Yamai Mamta Nandgiri.