From Screen Stardom to Spiritual Solitude: Actress Nupur Alankar Renounces Glamour to Live as Ascetic Mata Pitambra

A Dramatic Transformation Beyond the Silver Screen

In an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, Nupur Alankar, one of Indian television’s most familiar faces, has renounced her life of fame and luxury to embrace the simplicity of spiritual asceticism. Now known as Mata Pitambra, the former actress lives in the Himalayan caves, surviving on alms and detached from the trappings of her past stardom.

Once celebrated for her powerful performances and vibrant on-screen persona, Alankar’s metamorphosis into a spiritual mendicant has stunned fans and co-actors alike, marking one of the most dramatic personal transformations in the Indian entertainment industry.

A Glittering Career That Defined Television Drama

Nupur Alankar’s acting career spanned over two decades and included more than 155 hit television serials. She became a household name with memorable roles in classics such as Shaktimaan, Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyaan, Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo, Reeth, and Diya Aur Baati Hum.

Her portrayals—ranging from nurturing mothers to strong-willed women—earned her immense affection from viewers across India. With her expressive acting and screen presence, she became a symbol of the quintessential Indian television era that shaped the emotional core of countless living rooms.

A Life Shattered by Personal Loss and Financial Ruin

Behind the fame, however, was a story of deep personal tragedy. The turning point came in 2022, when Alankar’s life spiralled into despair after the deaths of her mother and sister. But her troubles compounded when she became one of the victims of the PMC Bank scam of 2019, which froze her savings and wiped out her financial security.

Speaking candidly about her struggles, Alankar once shared, “Family members had either been wiped out or placed across prison cells, my savings were locked up, and I was left needing spiritual comfort as my only resort.”

The PMC Bank crisis, triggered by irregularities exposed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), left thousands of depositors devastated. For Alankar, who had much of her wealth tied up in the bank, it was a crushing blow that forced her to confront the fragility of material security.

The Decision to Renounce and the Birth of Mata Pitambra

After long discussions with her husband of over two decades, actor Alankar Srivastav, and her close friends, Nupur chose a path few in her industry could imagine. With her husband’s blessing—though reluctant at first—she donned saffron robes and embarked on a three-year spiritual odyssey across India.

From the plains of Rishikesh to the forests of Maharashtra, she wandered through ashrams and jungles, meditating and teaching herself the art of surrender. She now leads an ascetic life in the Himalayan region, far removed from the glare of cameras and studio lights.

Living on a monthly expense of ₹10,000-12,000, she owns just four or five sets of robes, often received through bhiksha (alms). “Begging humiliates the ego and teaches humility,” she says, reflecting on the spiritual lessons that shaped her rebirth as Mata Pitambra.

Teaching the Power of Faith Over Fame

Now revered as Mata Pitambra, Nupur Alankar dedicates her life to spreading the message of inner peace, compassion, and detachment. Through her spiritual talks and interactions with followers, she emphasizes the importance of faith, humility, and simplicity in a world obsessed with wealth and recognition.

“Money and fame are illusions,” she often tells devotees. “When you lose everything, you realise how little you actually need to live meaningfully.”

Her journey from the television studio to the Himalayan cave is not just a story of renunciation—it is a testament to resilience, healing, and rediscovery.

A Journey from Celebrity to Seeker

Nupur Alankar’s transformation has captivated many within the film and television fraternity. Colleagues who once knew her as a lively performer now regard her as a symbol of courage—someone who faced tragedy and emerged spiritually liberated.

In a society where the spotlight rarely dims, her choice to walk away from the world of glamour serves as a quiet yet powerful reminder: sometimes, the most profound roles are played off-screen—in the silence of caves, in the surrender of the ego, and in the eternal search for peace.