Meet actress who once competed with Aishwarya Rai, quit Bollywood at peak, now became a monk turned into, her name is…

The glittering world of Bollywood draws everyone in. Glamour, fame, and the love of fans often completely change the course of a person’s life. But among these glittering streets, there are some artists who, amidst the external light, set out in search of inner light. This is the story of one such actress, who not only voluntarily said goodbye to a life filled with glamour but also left the film industry altogether, choosing the path of religion and spiritual practice. This actress, once seen on the red carpet, today lives a life filled with restraint, silence, and inner peace. We are talking about Barkha Madan.

Modelling with Aishwarya Rai

Barkha Madan’s journey began in the world of glamour. Once a girl who walked the ramp, she competed on the prestigious Miss India(BHARAT) pageant alongside beauties like Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai. She won the title of “Miss Tourism India(BHARAT)” at the 1994 Miss India(BHARAT) contest and placed third in an international beauty pageant held in Malaysia. She was a budding model and brimming with confidence.

Entry into films

After modelling, Barkha entered Bollywood. In the 1996 superhit film “Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi,” she shared the screen with stars like Akshay Kumar, Rekha, and Raveena Tandon. In 2003, her character Manjeet in Ram Gopal Varma’s “Bhoot” was so powerful that it left audiences in splits. She also had a strong presence on television, appearing in popular shows like “Nyay,” “1857 Kranti” (where she played Rani Lakshmibai), and “Saat Phere.” While her career continued to progress, a deep sense of fatigue and burden began to develop within her.

The more success she achieved in the outside world, the more restless she felt within. Barkha often asked herself, “Is this all there is to life?” Even amidst stardom and fame, she felt lonely. She was trying to fill a void that neither money nor fame could fill. It was during this period that she began to listen to her inner voice. She was already influenced by the teachings of the Dalai Lama. Gradually, the books she read began to pave the way for change within her. Barkha changed her name

Finally, in 2012, Barkha Madan made a decision that few dare to make. She said goodbye to the world of dreams and chose the path of becoming a Buddhist nun. Leaving behind her old life, identity, and glamour, she adopted the new name Gyalten Samten*. It wasn’t just a name change, but a complete life-changing move. Now, she lives in the tranquil valleys of the Himalayas, where meditation, service, and self-discovery have replaced scripts, cameras, and dialogue.

Where is Barkha Madan?

Today, Gyaltsen Samten lives a simple and austere life. This woman, who once bathed in the spotlight on the ramp, now embraces Buddhist traditions. She has no fascination with makeup or colourful clothing. She wears simple Buddhist nun robes, and simplicity has become her hallmark. She is active on social media, where she shares life updates and raises awareness about Buddhism and spirituality. She has even met the Dalai Lama several times.