Former Bollywood sensation Mamta Kulkarni, who once ruled the silver screen in the 90s, has been away from the limelight for over two decades. However, the actress recently made headlines after returning to Mumbai from abroad, ending her 25-year-long absence.
Mamta’s departure from India is believed to be linked to her alleged involvement in a Rs 2000 crore drug haul case registered in Thane in 2016. However, in a significant turn of events, the Bombay High Court recently quashed the FIR against her, giving her a clean chit and clearing her name from the controversy.
Now 52 years old, Mamta expressed her overwhelming emotions about being back in her homeland. “It feels surreal to be back in Mumbai. This city has given me fame, name, and money. I owe everything to Bollywood and my fans who continue to shower their love. Even today, when I meet people in India, they still treat me like a celebrity,” she said, visibly nostalgic.
Returning home after decades
On her return after more than two decades, Mamta shared, “Standing on the soil where I once built my dreams, loved, and lived feels magical. Mumbai has evolved, but its spirit remains eternal. This city still feels like home.”
When asked about her long absence from the industry, Mamta revealed that she had chosen the path of spirituality early in her career. “I was at the peak of my career when I felt a strong pull towards spirituality. It all began in 2000, and by 2023, I had reached the pinnacle of my spiritual journey through deep meditation. I left behind my luxurious life to find a higher purpose – the search for God and truth,” she explained.
Mamta admitted that during her peak years in Bollywood, her inner calling for spirituality often got suppressed due to her hectic work life. “There were producers, directors, and fans waiting for me everywhere. I never got the time to fully embrace spirituality. So, I finally decided to quit everything and walk on the spiritual path,” she said.
A chapter closed: Her relationship with Vicky Goswami
Mamta also opened up about her relationship with her estranged husband, Vicky Goswami, a businessman who was arrested in a drug case in 1997 and spent the next 15 years in jail. Mamta first met Vicky in 1996 in Dubai, and the two eventually fell in love. However, within a few months of their relationship, Vicky was arrested, and Mamta’s life took a different turn.
“I met Vicky in Dubai, and within a few months, he was arrested. I would visit him once or twice, and I realised that despite everything, he was a nice human,” she recounted.
When Vicky was released from prison after 15 years, Mamta hoped to have a normal life with him, but things took a different course. “I thought he would start fresh, but unfortunately, he got involved in trouble again. I moved to Dubai in 2012 for my spiritual journey, but I eventually decided to end my relationship with him. I realised he was not ready to change,” she shared.
No Bollywood comeback on the cards
Despite her return to Mumbai, Mamta made it clear that she has no intention of making a comeback in Bollywood. “I did not come back for films, and I have no interest in returning to the glamour world. My journey is now dedicated to spirituality, and I would rather do something meaningful in that field,” she stated.
Also Read: Feels amazing to be back: Neha Dhupia on returning to stage
She also revealed that she received a few film offers after her return but turned them down.
Reflecting on how Bollywood has evolved over the years, Mamta noted that the industry has now shifted towards more realistic cinema. “Earlier, films were all about dreams. But now, filmmakers are showcasing the reality of life,” she concluded.
