Mamta Kulkarni used to rule the Bollywood roster in the 1990s before she decided to go into oblivion and lead a life of anonymity. But even while she was working in Bollywood or post that, her life has been full of controversies and complications. Even today, as she has shied away from the limelight for over a decade now, the recent news of her being arrested along with her husband for drug trafficking in Kenya has brought her the tag she once was famous for - being controversy's favourite child.
Here, we list five of her biggest controversies:
The topless cover controversy:
At a time when Bollywood actresses made dignified statements and moves, Mamta Kulkarni did the unthinkable. Taking a bold move, defying all pre conceived Bollywood norms, she appeared topless on the cover of Stardust back in 1993. Not only was she criticised for the same, people had even protested against Mamta.
Getting married to international drug kingpin in jail:
While most people try to stay away from the underworld, Mamta decided to get married to underworld drug kingpin Vicky Goswami. Goswami, who was jailed for illicit drug trafficking in 1997 and sentenced to 25 years of imprisonment, was released in November last year. But Mamta, who was regularly spotted at Dubai jail visiting Vick, married him while he was still in jail.
Accusing director Rajkumar Santoshi of sexual harrassment:
Mamta Kulkarni had almost a failed career with nothing to boast of and no films in hand when Rajkumar Santoshi signed her up for China Gate. But following initial troubles, he decided to drop her from the cast. But he could not, following underworld calls threatening Santoshi about the same. The film released and bombed, and it was then that Mamta accused Santoshi of allegedly trying to make sexual advances at her during the shoot and blamed the director for reducing her screen time in the film.
The burqa controversy:
After staying away from the limelight for years, Mamta decided to appear in court wearing a burqa only to give people another reason to take out a morcha against her. The actress was blamed for misusing the burqa and hurting Muslim sentiments, and she received numerous death threats for her act. The threats and protests continued until she was declared innocent by the Bombay High court in January 2004.
Her performance at a private function for legislator arrested in the Fodder Scam:
Mamta Kulkarni was paid a hefty amount for performing at a private function for a Bihar legislator for one of his private ceremonies. Little did she have an idea that the legislator would be arrested in the Fodder Scam. Following the legislator's arrest, Mamta again faced a public showdown for her involvement in the legislator's function.
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