Controversies & scandals
Mamta Kulkarni: all 3 major controversies
Each controversy of Mamta Kulkarni's life and career, explained on its own page — what was alleged, what was proven, and what was only ever a rumour.
- 1Scandal1993The 1993 Stardust topless coverEarly in her career she appeared topless on the cover of the film magazine Stardust, an image that caused a sensation and legal-moral outrage in early-1990s India.
- 2Cleared2016–2024The ₹2,000-crore drug caseShe was named as an accused in a massive narcotics case linked to her partner Vicky Goswami; she denied wrongdoing, and the Bombay High Court quashed the proceedings against her in 2024.
- 3Ongoing2025Becoming a MahamandaleshwarHer 2025 re-emergence as a Hindu ascetic — and reported elevation to Mahamandaleshwar at the Kumbh — triggered fresh controversy and, per reports, a swift stepping-back.