Veteran Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni, now known as Shri Yamai Mamta Nand Giri, recently addressed a long-standing controversy involving a dispute with actress Ameesha Patel over deer meat. In a television interview, Kulkarni shed light on the incident, which reportedly took place in the 1990s during an advertisement shoot.
Kulkarni recounted that during the shoot, dinner was served buffet-style, and she opted for the only available non-vegetarian dish. However, upon tasting it, she found it difficult to chew. When she inquired about the dish, she was informed that it was venison. Expressing her displeasure over the unlabelled meat, she suggested that proper labeling should be ensured in the future.
Ameesha Patel, who was present at the event, allegedly commented that some heroines make a fuss over trivial matters. Kulkarni, feeling slighted by Patel’s remarks, questioned her interference. According to reports, Kulkarni’s secretary then retorted, “Teri aukaat kya hai? My fee is Rs 15 lakh, and yours is Rs 1 lakh.”
The altercation escalated, with Kulkarni’s secretary allegedly threatening Patel, prompting Patel’s mother to intervene. Kulkarni maintained in her recent interview that while she did not personally make the remark, her secretary did. She also questioned whether Patel’s comments were being accurately represented.
Mamta Kulkarni, once known for her bold on-screen persona, has since distanced herself from the film industry. After years of penance in Dubai, she resurfaced at the Maha Kumbh in 2025, where she was briefly elevated to the position of Mahamandleshwar by the Kinnar Akhara. However, due to opposition from several religious leaders, she held the title for only seven days before stepping down.
Reflecting on her transformation, Kulkarni claimed she has not watched any adult films for the past 23 years and never aspired to become a Mahamandleshwar but accepted the title under pressure from Acharya Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi.
Ameesha Patel, who entered Bollywood in the early 2000s with the blockbuster “Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai,” has carved a niche for herself in the industry with notable performances in “Gadar: Ek Prem Katha” and “Humraaz.” Despite the controversy with Kulkarni, Patel has continued to focus on her career and remains a popular actress.
While the spat between Kulkarni and Patel remains a topic of discussion, both actresses have moved on in their respective journeys—one towards spirituality and the other in the entertainment industry.
