Who is she, really?
This is the story of Barkha Madan — once a model and actress, now known as Gyalten Samten, a Buddhist monk. It’s a journey about searching, changing, and choosing peace. ET Now+4Wikipedia+4Bombay Times+4
From beauty queen beginnings
- In 1994, Barkha competed in the Miss India pageant, going up against Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai. Khaleej Times+3Herzindagi+3Bombay Times+3
- She won the title Miss Tourism India at that time and later became third runner-up at Miss Tourism International. Bombay Times+3BollywoodShaadis+3Khaleej Times+3
Bollywood and television career
- Barkha made her film debut in 1996 with Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi, which starred Akshay Kumar, Rekha, Raveena Tandon among others. Republic World+2Herzindagi+2
- She played a memorable role in Bhoot (2003), as the ghost Manjeet Khosla. Republic World+2Khaleej Times+2
- On TV, she acted in shows like 1857 Kranti, Nyaay, and Saat Phere – Saloni Ka Safar. Herzindagi+2Republic World+2
- She also tried her hand at film production, with films such as Soch Lo and Surkhaab. Republic World+1
A turn toward spirituality
- Barkha had been interested in spiritual ideas for a while, especially Buddhism, and was drawn to the teachings of the Dalai Lama. Khaleej Times+2Herzindagi+2
- In 2012, she decided to leave her acting and modelling career, take formal monastic vows, and embrace a life as a Buddhist nun. She also adopted the name Ven. Gyalten Samten. Bombay Times+3Khaleej Times+3Wikipedia+3
Life now
- She lives now in the mountains in monasteries, leading a quiet life focused on meditation, simplicity, and spiritual practice. Republic World+2newsvoice.info+2
- She occasionally shares glimpses of her daily spiritual life via social media. These are not showy or glamorous, but reflect what she calls inner peace and fulfillment. Herzindagi+2newsvoice.info+2
Why this matters
Her story reminds us that sometimes success in the world — fame, recognition, competition — even with all its beauty and glamor, isn’t always enough. For some people, like Barkha, there comes a point where something deeper calls them, something quieter and more inward. The courage to answer that call, to change one’s whole life, is rare — but when it happens, it makes for a powerful story.