Who is Barkha Madan? Meet Bollywood actress who made her debut with Akshay Kumar-led film and has now turned monk

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Previously renowned as Barkha Madan, a prominent figure in modeling, beauty pageants, and acting, has undergone an extraordinary transformation. Now known as Gyalten Samten, she has embraced the life of a Buddhist monk following a significant personal decision. Barkha first captured attention in the competitive world of modeling, notably in the 1994 Miss India contest alongside Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai. Subsequently, she entered the film industry, making her screen debut opposite Akshay Kumar.

1996 saw Barkha stepping into the world of Bollywood with the high-energy film Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi, featuring Akshay Kumar, Rekha, and Raveena Tandon in lead roles. This blockbuster movie was a resounding success, yet it took until 2003 for Barkha to secure her next significant acting opportunity.

In Ram Gopal Varma’s chilling supernatural thriller titled Bhoot, Barkha took on the character of the ghost named Manjeet Khosla. Her exceptional acting skills shone brightly amidst an illustrious ensemble cast consisting of Ajay Devgn, Urmila Matondkar, Nana Patekar, Rekha, Fardeen Khan, and Tanuja.

In various TV shows, Barkha made appearances following her roles in Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi and Bhoot. She acted in the social drama titled Nyaay and took on the character of Rani Laxmibai in the series 1857 Kranti.

Between the years 2005 and 2009, Barkha was additionally a cast member on the widely-watched Zee TV series “Saat Phere: Saloni Ka Safar.” She shared screen time with Rajshree Thakur and Sharad Kelkar during this period.

2012 marked a significant turning point for Barkha as she found her true calling when she decided to delve into Buddhism, inspired by her profound respect for the Dalai Lama. Adopting the monastic lifestyle, she became known as Gyalten Samten. Presently, she dwells in secluded mountain monasteries and imparts snippets and insights from her spiritual odyssey on Instagram.

Reports state that Barkha’s spiritual journey initiated when she stepped into a Sikkimese monastery during her 6th grade years, instantly resonating with the culture and feeling a profound connection.

In time, during her career within the movie world, she found herself returning to the monastery, growing increasingly fascinated by spiritual matters. The wisdom of the Dalai Lama resonated deeply with Barkha, leading her on a path towards Buddhism.

Previously, Barkha disclosed in an interview that upon telling her parents about quitting acting and embracing Buddhism, they gave their full approval for this decision.

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2025-01-13 14:53