Former Bollywood actor Mamta Kulkarni is set to make her television debut with Season 3 of Laughter Chefs, marking her first appearance on TV in over two decades.
Speaking to the media before heading to the shoot, Mamta shared her excitement about returning to the spotlight in a new format that blends humour with cooking.
‘This Is My First TV Appearance in 24 Years’
Addressing paparazzi outside the set, Mamta said this would be her first-ever television appearance in 24–25 years.
“Chaubis saal ke baad pehla TV… In fact, TV show pe main kabhi aayi hi nahi. This is my first TV appearance after 24 years of my life… 25 years. Ek accha, hasne ka mauka milta hai. Log bohot gambhir hogaye hain, jeevan bohot gambhir hogaya.”
(After 24 years, this is my first TV appearance. In fact, I’ve never appeared on a TV show before. It’s good to get a chance to laugh. People have become very serious; life has become very serious.)
She added that a format combining laughter and food is exactly what audiences need today.
Star-Studded Line-Up
Season 3 of Laughter Chefs features celebrity contestants including:
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Aly Goni
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Karan Kundrra
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Tejasswi Prakash
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Ankita Lokhande
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Vicky Jain
The show is hosted by comedian Bharti Singh and judged by celebrity chef Harpal Singh Sokhi. The unique concept merges cooking challenges with comic entertainment, inviting celebrity guests each week.
Mamta Kulkarni’s Journey: From Stardom to Spiritual Path
Mamta rose to fame in the 1990s with films such as:
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Karan Arjun
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Krantiveer
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Sabse Bada Khiladi
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China Gate
She stepped away from films in the early 2000s, with her last screen appearance being the 2003 Bangladeshi film Shesh Bongsodhar.
In January 2025, Mamta announced that she had embraced a spiritual path and was appointed Mahamandleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada during the Maha Kumbh, taking the name Shri Yamai Mamta Nand Giri. However, the appointment later became controversial, and she eventually resigned from the post before returning to the Akhada.
Despite previously stating that returning to films was “absolutely impossible,” her appearance on Laughter Chefs 3 marks a rare public engagement after years away from mainstream entertainment.
A Comeback Rooted in Positivity
While this may not signal a full-fledged acting comeback, Mamta’s television debut highlights her willingness to reconnect with audiences in a lighter, more joyful format.
As she put it: “What’s better than laughter and food? What else is needed?”
