Mamta Kulkarni: From 90s Bold Icon To Sadhvi—Net Worth, Controversies And Everything In Between

90's actor Mamta Kulkarni, who has been away from the public eye for years, is reported to have an impressive net worth of approximately $10 million (₹85 crores), according to oneIndia reports.

In 2016, Mamta Kulkarni was named by the Thane Police as a suspect in a major drug trafficking case, allegedly supplying ephedrine to a ₹2000 crore international drug racket. She, along with partner Vicky Goswami, attended a meeting in Kenya in January 2016 linked to the drug trade. After returning to India in 2024, Kulkarni was overwhelmed with emotion, moved by the significance of her long-awaited homecoming.

Mamta, who returned to India after 25 years in December last year, arrived in Mumbai specifically for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. In a recent interview with IANS, the actress opened up about the reasons behind her absence from both India and the showbiz industry.

She shared, "The reason for leaving India was spirituality. In 1996, I became drawn to spirituality, and it was during that time I met Guru Gagan Giri Maharaj. His influence deepened my spiritual journey, and I began my penance. While Bollywood gave me both name and fame, I chose to step away. From 2000 to 2012, I focused on my penance, living a simple life in Dubai in a two-bedroom flat and remaining celibate for 12 years." 

Mamta Kulkarni's Bollywood journey began with a modest role in the 1992 film Tiranga, alongside seasoned actors like Raj Kumar and Nana Patekar. However, it was her performances in Ashaant, Aashiq Awara, China Gate, Waqt Hamara Hai that solidified her place as a celebrated 90s icon. Over the span of less than a decade, she appeared in over 50 films across Bollywood and South Indian cinema, often portraying love interests and occasionally leaning into her sensual image. Notable films include Ram Lakhan, Krantiveer, Karan Arjun, Sabse Bada Khiladi, Andolan, and Baazi. In 2002, Kulkarni left Bollywood after a successful career.

Mamta Kulkarni, the bold actress of the 90s, became synonymous with glamour during Bollywood's golden era. Her controversial topless cover shoot to bold pics which are still viral to this day, sparked numerous controversies due to her daring moves. Once the epitome of glamour, she remains an unforgettable figure in Indian cinema.

Mamta Kulkarni ruled the 90s with hit songs like Maine Tujhe Dil Diya (Betaaj Badshah), Yeh Bandhan Toh, Gup Chup Gup Chup (Karan Arjun), Dole Dole Dil Dole (Baazi), Jai Maa Kali, Ek Munda Meri Umar Da, Ishq Kare Deewana Dil Ko (Policewala Gunda), and other soulful tracks cementing her legacy as a Bollywood hit maker. 

Mamta Kulkarni, one of the most celebrated actresses of the 90s, worked with top Bollywood A-listers like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Mithun Chakraborty, Sanjay Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Bobby Deol, Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt, and Govinda, among others. Known for her bold roles and immense screen presence, she was a prominent figure in the golden era of Bollywood.

According to media reports, Mamta Kulkarni embraced 'sanyas' on Friday after arriving at the Kinnar Akhara during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. She performed the 'Pind Daan' ritual at the Sangam, followed by a coronation ceremony at the Kinnar Akhara, where she was bestowed with the spiritual name 'Shri Yamai Mamta Nand Giri.' 'Karan Arjun' actress was also declared the Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhara in a grand traditional ceremony.  (Images: @mamtakulkarniofficial/ Instagram)