Mamta Kulkarni
Encyclopedia
Mamta Mukhund Kulkarni is a former Bollywood
Actress. During the 90s, she was part of several commercial successes such as Karan Arjun
(1995), Sabse Bada Khiladi
(1995), Aashiq Awara
(1993), Krantiveer
(1994) among others.
. She made her Bollywood debut with the 1992 movie Tirangaa
. In 1993 she starred in Aashiq Awara
, which won her a Filmfare Lux New Face Award. She went to appear in many other popular films such as Waqt Hamara Hai
(1993), Krantiveer
(1994), Karan Arjun
(1995), Sabse Bada Khiladi
(1995), Ghatak: Lethal
(1996), Beqabu, Baazi, Gangstar, Chupa Rustam, Qila, Andolan, which did well at the box office.
Things seemed to change when Rajkumar Santoshi
, in whose earlier movie Ghatak: Lethal
(1996), she had a cameo appearance, cast her as the female lead in his 1998 movie China Gate
, an ambitious remake of Seven Samurai. In a glamorized role and sharing screen space with some of Hindi cinemas finest actors, she had the perfect opportunity to showcase her acting talent.
However, things did not go as planned. Relations between Santoshi and the actress soured, and rumours began circulating that Kulkarni was dropped from the movie, and reinstated only after gangster Chhota Rajan
intervened on her behalf. When the movie was finally released, it was also a huge flop. Furthermore, the only song in the movie, the item number
Chamma Chamma, was picturised on Urmila Matondkar
, even though Kulkarni had built her reputation with such numbers. To add insult to injury, the song turned out to be a chartbuster, and was even used in Baz Luhrmann
's Moulin Rouge!
, and greatly increased Urmila's popularity.
Angered at the turn of events, Kulkarni lashed out at Santoshi, accusing him of cutting her screen time because she had refused his advances. Santoshi denied all rumours related to the movie, and the matter was given a quiet burial. However, this proved to be the death blow to Kulkarni's career. She only appeared in a handful of movies after that, and new offers dried up. She quit movies after her last appearance in the 2002 film Divine Temple Khajuraho. Mamta also did few movies in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali and Malayalam.
During her career she was offered many other films with Ajay Devgan, Bobby Deol, Shahrukh Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kanna. She turned down many big films such as Sapoot, Agnaary, Mr and Mrs Khiladi, Bandahan, Aunty No.1, Dulhe Raja, Davaa, Shikari and Hogi Pyar Ki Jeet because her role wasn't really substantial.
, a popular Indian film magazine in September 1993. She was charged under India's obscenity
laws, and found herself under attack from both conservative religious groups, and women's groups. The outspoken actress lashed out at protesters, calling them hypocrites.
Kulkarni was finally convicted in July 2000, and fined Rs. 15,000. However, this caused yet another controversy because she appeared in court in a burqa
to evade photographers, which led to death threats and protests from the local Islamic community.
At the same time, she continued to be dogged by controversy. In 1997, she was reportedly paid a large amount to perform at a private function by a legislator from Bihar
, who was later arrested after investigations into the Fodder Scam
case. Kulkarni was interrogated, but she denied any knowledge of the legislator's antecedents.
with her NRI husband.
Bollywood
Bollywood is the informal term popularly used for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai , Maharashtra, India. The term is often incorrectly used to refer to the whole of Indian cinema; it is only a part of the total Indian film industry, which includes other production centers producing...
Actress. During the 90s, she was part of several commercial successes such as Karan Arjun
Karan Arjun
Karan Arjun is an Indian Bollywood film starring- Salman Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Mamta Kulkarni, Raakhee, Amrish Puri, Johnny Lever and Ranjeet. The film was directed by Rakesh Roshan, and written by Ravi Kapoor and Sachin Bhowmick. Karan Arjun is a mix of an upbeat Bollywood musical,...
(1995), Sabse Bada Khiladi
Sabse Bada Khiladi
Sabse Bada Khiladi is a 1995 Bollywood film directed by Umesh Mehra and starring Akshay Kumar, Mamta Kulkarni, Mohnish Behl, Gulshan Grover and Sadashiv Amrapurkar...
(1995), Aashiq Awara
Aashiq Awara
Aashiq Awara is a 1993 Indian film directed by Umesh Mehra.-Awards and nominations:* Winner, of Filmfare Best Male Debut Award for Saif Ali Khan in Filmfare Awards, 1994-Songs:* "Saat Sooron Ke Sangam Se" by Alka Yagnik...
(1993), Krantiveer
Krantiveer
Krantiveer is an Indian Bollywood film directed by Mehul Kumar, released on 22 July 1994. The film stars Nana Patekar, Dimple Kapadia, Atul Agnihotri, Mamta Kulkarni, Danny Denzongpa and Paresh Rawal in lead roles...
(1994) among others.
Acting career
Kulkarni made her debut through the Tamil film Nanbargal which was released in Hindi as Mera Dil Tere Liye directed by S. A. ChandrasekharS. A. Chandrasekhar
S.A. Chandrasekhar is an Indian film director, producer and writer. He is the father of Kollywood actor Vijay.-Personal life:He is married to Shoba, who is a singer.His son Joseph Vijay is one of the leading kollywood actors and his daughter Vidhya passed away at the age of two.Jaya is his...
. She made her Bollywood debut with the 1992 movie Tirangaa
Tirangaa
Tirangaa is an Indian Patriotic film starring Raaj Kumar, Nana Patekar and Mamta Kulkarni, released in 1993.- Cast :* Raj Kumar as Brigadier Suryadev Singh* Nana Patekar as Inspector Shivajirao Wagle* Suresh Oberoi as Rudrapratap Chouhan...
. In 1993 she starred in Aashiq Awara
Aashiq Awara
Aashiq Awara is a 1993 Indian film directed by Umesh Mehra.-Awards and nominations:* Winner, of Filmfare Best Male Debut Award for Saif Ali Khan in Filmfare Awards, 1994-Songs:* "Saat Sooron Ke Sangam Se" by Alka Yagnik...
, which won her a Filmfare Lux New Face Award. She went to appear in many other popular films such as Waqt Hamara Hai
Waqt Hamara Hai
Waqt Hamara Hai is a 1993 Hindi-language Indian feature film directed by Bharat Rangachary, starring Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty, Ayesha Jhulka, Mamta Kulkarni, Anupam Kher, Viju Khote,Aruna Irani, Gavin Packard and Rami Reddy. The movie was produced by Sajid Nadiadwala.-Plot:Waqt Hamara Hai is a...
(1993), Krantiveer
Krantiveer
Krantiveer is an Indian Bollywood film directed by Mehul Kumar, released on 22 July 1994. The film stars Nana Patekar, Dimple Kapadia, Atul Agnihotri, Mamta Kulkarni, Danny Denzongpa and Paresh Rawal in lead roles...
(1994), Karan Arjun
Karan Arjun
Karan Arjun is an Indian Bollywood film starring- Salman Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Mamta Kulkarni, Raakhee, Amrish Puri, Johnny Lever and Ranjeet. The film was directed by Rakesh Roshan, and written by Ravi Kapoor and Sachin Bhowmick. Karan Arjun is a mix of an upbeat Bollywood musical,...
(1995), Sabse Bada Khiladi
Sabse Bada Khiladi
Sabse Bada Khiladi is a 1995 Bollywood film directed by Umesh Mehra and starring Akshay Kumar, Mamta Kulkarni, Mohnish Behl, Gulshan Grover and Sadashiv Amrapurkar...
(1995), Ghatak: Lethal
Ghatak: Lethal
Ghatak: Lethal is a 1996 Bollywood action film directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. The film stars Sunny Deol, Meenakshi Sheshadri and Danny Denzongpa in pivotal roles. This was Meenakshi Sheshadari's last movie till date.-Plot:...
(1996), Beqabu, Baazi, Gangstar, Chupa Rustam, Qila, Andolan, which did well at the box office.
Things seemed to change when Rajkumar Santoshi
Rajkumar Santoshi
Rajkumar Santoshi is a Filmfare award-winning Indian film director and producer of Hindi films. He is the son of producer-director P.L. Santoshi.-Career:...
, in whose earlier movie Ghatak: Lethal
Ghatak: Lethal
Ghatak: Lethal is a 1996 Bollywood action film directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. The film stars Sunny Deol, Meenakshi Sheshadri and Danny Denzongpa in pivotal roles. This was Meenakshi Sheshadari's last movie till date.-Plot:...
(1996), she had a cameo appearance, cast her as the female lead in his 1998 movie China Gate
China Gate (1998 film)
China Gate is a 1998 Hindi film directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. The film is a "humble tribute to the late Akira Kurosawa", crediting Seven Samurai as its inspiration...
, an ambitious remake of Seven Samurai. In a glamorized role and sharing screen space with some of Hindi cinemas finest actors, she had the perfect opportunity to showcase her acting talent.
However, things did not go as planned. Relations between Santoshi and the actress soured, and rumours began circulating that Kulkarni was dropped from the movie, and reinstated only after gangster Chhota Rajan
Chhota Rajan
Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje alias Chhota Rajan is the boss of a major crime syndicate based in India. He is a former key aide and lieutenant of Dawood Ibrahim. Starting as a petty thief and bootlegger working for Rajan Nair, also known as Bada Rajan . Chhota Rajan took over the reins of Bada Rajan's...
intervened on her behalf. When the movie was finally released, it was also a huge flop. Furthermore, the only song in the movie, the item number
Item number
An item number or an item song, in Indian cinema, is a musical performance that has little to do with the film in which it appears, but is presented to showcase beautiful dancing women in very revealing clothes, to lend support to the marketability of the film...
Chamma Chamma, was picturised on Urmila Matondkar
Urmila Matondkar
Urmila Matondkar is an Indian film actress.Matondkar, who made her screen debut as a child artist in the 1980 film Kalyug, debuted as an adult in Narasimha...
, even though Kulkarni had built her reputation with such numbers. To add insult to injury, the song turned out to be a chartbuster, and was even used in Baz Luhrmann
Baz Luhrmann
Mark Anthony "Baz" Luhrmann is an Australian film director, screenwriter, and producer best known for The Red Curtain Trilogy, which includes his films Strictly Ballroom, William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge!...
's Moulin Rouge!
Moulin Rouge!
Moulin Rouge! is a 2001 romantic jukebox musical film directed, produced, and co-written by Baz Luhrmann. Following the Red Curtain Cinema principles, the film is based on the Orphean myth, La Traviata, and La Bohème...
, and greatly increased Urmila's popularity.
Angered at the turn of events, Kulkarni lashed out at Santoshi, accusing him of cutting her screen time because she had refused his advances. Santoshi denied all rumours related to the movie, and the matter was given a quiet burial. However, this proved to be the death blow to Kulkarni's career. She only appeared in a handful of movies after that, and new offers dried up. She quit movies after her last appearance in the 2002 film Divine Temple Khajuraho. Mamta also did few movies in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali and Malayalam.
During her career she was offered many other films with Ajay Devgan, Bobby Deol, Shahrukh Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kanna. She turned down many big films such as Sapoot, Agnaary, Mr and Mrs Khiladi, Bandahan, Aunty No.1, Dulhe Raja, Davaa, Shikari and Hogi Pyar Ki Jeet because her role wasn't really substantial.
Stardust controversy
She gained fame after posing topless (but with her arms covering her breasts,thus not exposing her nipples) for a photograph that appeared on the cover of StardustStardust (magazine)
Stardust is an Indian monthly Bollywood news and gossip magazine published in English and Hindi. It also sponsors the Stardust Awards.-History:...
, a popular Indian film magazine in September 1993. She was charged under India's obscenity
Obscenity
An obscenity is any statement or act which strongly offends the prevalent morality of the time, is a profanity, or is otherwise taboo, indecent, abhorrent, or disgusting, or is especially inauspicious...
laws, and found herself under attack from both conservative religious groups, and women's groups. The outspoken actress lashed out at protesters, calling them hypocrites.
Kulkarni was finally convicted in July 2000, and fined Rs. 15,000. However, this caused yet another controversy because she appeared in court in a burqa
Burqa
A burqa is an enveloping outer garment worn by women in some Islamic religion to cover their bodies in public places. The burqa is usually understood to be the woman's loose body-covering , plus the head-covering , plus the face-veil .-Etymology:A speculative and unattested etymology...
to evade photographers, which led to death threats and protests from the local Islamic community.
At the same time, she continued to be dogged by controversy. In 1997, she was reportedly paid a large amount to perform at a private function by a legislator from Bihar
Bihar
Bihar is a state in eastern India. It is the 12th largest state in terms of geographical size at and 3rd largest by population. Almost 58% of Biharis are below the age of 25, which is the highest proportion in India....
, who was later arrested after investigations into the Fodder Scam
Fodder Scam
The Fodder Scam was a corruption scandal that involved the embezzlement of about from the government treasury of the eastern Indian state of Bihar. Among those implicated in the theft and arrested were then Chief Minister of Bihar, Laloo Prasad Yadav, as well as former Chief Minister, Jagannath...
case. Kulkarni was interrogated, but she denied any knowledge of the legislator's antecedents.
Personal life
Kulkarni currently lives in New YorkNew York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
with her NRI husband.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Other notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Devine Temple Khajuraho | ||
| 2001 | Chhupa Rustam: A Musical Thriller Chhupa Rustam: A Musical Thriller Chhupa Rustam: A Musical Thriller is a 2001 Bollywood romance/thriller movie directed by Aziz Sejawal, starring Sanjay Kapoor, Manisha Koirala, Mamta Kulkarni, Tinnu Anand and Raj Babbar.- Synopsis :... |
Sandhya | |
| 2001 | Censor | Nisha (Censor Board Member) | |
| 1998 | Qila Qila Qila is a 1998 Bollywood Hindi language film directed by Umesh Mehra and starring Dilip Kumar , Rekha, Mukul Dev, Mamta Kulkarni, Smita Jaykar and Gulshan Grover... |
Neeta | |
| 1998 | Jaane Jigar | Meenu | |
| 1998 | China Gate China Gate China Gate may refer to:* China Gate , a Hindi film directed by Rajkumar Santoshi* China Gate , a Hollywood film directed by Samuel Fuller and starring Gene Barry and Angie Dickinson... |
Sandhya Rajan | |
| 1997 | Krantikari | ||
| 1997 | Jeevan Yudh Jeevan Yudh Jeevan Yudh is a 1997 Hindi-language Indian feature film directed by Partho Ghosh, starring Mithun Chakraborty, Rakhee Gulzar, Jayapradha, Atul Agnihotri, Mamta Kulkarni, Shakti Kapoor, Rami Reddy, Alok Nath and Mohan Joshi. The film also had a Bengali version release under the title Jiban... |
Kajal Choudhry | |
| 1997 | Naseeb | Pooja | |
| 1996 | Ghatak: Lethal Ghatak: Lethal Ghatak: Lethal is a 1996 Bollywood action film directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. The film stars Sunny Deol, Meenakshi Sheshadri and Danny Denzongpa in pivotal roles. This was Meenakshi Sheshadari's last movie till date.-Plot:... |
Dancer in song Maara Re | |
| 1996 | Beqabu | Reshmi Kapoor | |
| 1996 | Raja Aur Rangeeli | ||
| 1995 | Sabse Bada Khiladi Sabse Bada Khiladi Sabse Bada Khiladi is a 1995 Bollywood film directed by Umesh Mehra and starring Akshay Kumar, Mamta Kulkarni, Mohnish Behl, Gulshan Grover and Sadashiv Amrapurkar... |
Sunita Das | |
| 1995 | Baazi Baazi (1995 film) Baazi is a 1995 Bollywood action film directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar and starring Aamir Khan and Mamta Kulkarni. This film fabricated the base for Aamir Khan's selection as the determined police officer in the blockbuster Sarfarosh which turned out to be one of Aamir Khan's best performances as a... |
Sanjana Roy, Journalist | |
| 1995 | Ahankaar | Naina | |
| 1995 | Andolan | Guddi | |
| 1995 | Karan Arjun Karan Arjun Karan Arjun is an Indian Bollywood film starring- Salman Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Mamta Kulkarni, Raakhee, Amrish Puri, Johnny Lever and Ranjeet. The film was directed by Rakesh Roshan, and written by Ravi Kapoor and Sachin Bhowmick. Karan Arjun is a mix of an upbeat Bollywood musical,... |
Bindiya | |
| 1995 | Kismat | ||
| 1995 | Policewala Gunda Policewala Gunda Policewala Gunda is a 1995 Bollywood crime/action film which stars Dharmendra, Mukesh Khanna, Shikha Swaroop, Ranjeet, Ajit Vachani, etc.-Plot:This movie revolves around a policeman who is a kind and honorable person... |
||
| 1994 | Vaade Iraade | Nikita Sekhri | |
| 1994 | Dilbar Dilbar Dilbar is a motor yacht built in 2008 by Lürssen. She is owned by Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov and is named after his mother. With a length overall of and a beam of she is one of the largest yachts in the world. Dilbar was designed by Tim Heywood to a specification that includes one helipad... |
Priya Verma | |
| 1994 | Gangster | ||
| 1994 | Betaaj Badshah | Tejeshwani/Guddiya | |
| 1994 | Anokha Premyudh | Priti | |
| 1994 | Krantiveer Krantiveer Krantiveer is an Indian Bollywood film directed by Mehul Kumar, released on 22 July 1994. The film stars Nana Patekar, Dimple Kapadia, Atul Agnihotri, Mamta Kulkarni, Danny Denzongpa and Paresh Rawal in lead roles... |
Mamta | |
| 1993 | Waqt Hamara Hai Waqt Hamara Hai Waqt Hamara Hai is a 1993 Hindi-language Indian feature film directed by Bharat Rangachary, starring Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty, Ayesha Jhulka, Mamta Kulkarni, Anupam Kher, Viju Khote,Aruna Irani, Gavin Packard and Rami Reddy. The movie was produced by Sajid Nadiadwala.-Plot:Waqt Hamara Hai is a... |
Mamta Vidrohi | |
| 1993 | Bhookamp | ||
| 1993 | Aashiq Awara Aashiq Awara Aashiq Awara is a 1993 Indian film directed by Umesh Mehra.-Awards and nominations:* Winner, of Filmfare Best Male Debut Award for Saif Ali Khan in Filmfare Awards, 1994-Songs:* "Saat Sooron Ke Sangam Se" by Alka Yagnik... |
Jyoti | (Won Filmfare Lux Award of the year) |
| 1993 | Ashaant Ashaant Ashaant is an Indian film directed by Keshu Ramsay and released in 1993. It stars Akshay Kumar, Ashwini Bhave and Pankaj Dheer.-Characters:* Vishnuvardhan ... Vishnu* Akshay Kumar ... Vijay* Ashwini Bhave ... Anu / Anita* Pankaj Dheer... |
Sonali | Vishnu Vijaya India: Kannada title: dubbed version |
| 1992 | Mera Dil Tere Liye | Priya R Singh | |
| 1992 | Tirangaa Tirangaa Tirangaa is an Indian Patriotic film starring Raaj Kumar, Nana Patekar and Mamta Kulkarni, released in 1993.- Cast :* Raj Kumar as Brigadier Suryadev Singh* Nana Patekar as Inspector Shivajirao Wagle* Suresh Oberoi as Rudrapratap Chouhan... |
||
Unreleased/Shelved Movies
- Waqt Gawah Hai (1993)
- Desh (1996)
- Chupa Hai Kya Dil Mein (1998)