Actress-turned-spiritual leader Mamta Kulkarni sparked controversy during her recent visit to Gorakhpur after she was quoted as saying that underworld don Dawood Ibrahim “did not carry out the Mumbai blasts and is not a terrorist.”
The statement, made during a press interaction on Tuesday as part of her three-day spiritual tour, went viral on social media and drew widespread criticism.
On Thursday, Mamta issued a clarification, stating that her comments were “misunderstood and misreported.”
“I was referring to Vicky Goswami, not Dawood Ibrahim. Dawood is indeed a terrorist,” she said.
Mamta, who has distanced herself from both films and politics, told reporters that she has no personal connection with Dawood Ibrahim.
“I have no connection with politics or the film industry now. I am completely devoted to spirituality. As a staunch follower of Sanatan Dharma, it is impossible for me to associate with any anti-national elements,” she added.
During her Gorakhpur visit, Mamta offered prayers at the Gorakhnath Temple, met several saints, and attended a bhajan sandhya along with Kinnar Akhada’s Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi.
Sharing her spiritual journey, she said her association with the Nath sect began in 1995 when she met Guru Gagan Giri Maharaj, a revered saint of the tradition.
“Visiting Baba Gorakhnath’s shrine has been a long-cherished wish, and today it stands fulfilled,” she said.