India, Feb. 10 -- Mamta Kulkarni, the former Bollywood actress, resigned from her position as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhara amid criticism and internal conflicts.

Her decision came after questions were raised about her spiritual credentials, given her past in the film industry. The Kinnar Akhara also expelled Kulkarni and her mentor, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, citing ongoing tensions within the organisation.

In a video statement, Kulkarni announced her resignation, addressing the controversy, saying "I, Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nandgiri, am stepping down from this position."

"The honour I received was for my 25 years of spiritual practice, but some people have issues with my role as Mahamandaleshwar," she added.

She said that...