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Who is Barkha Madan? Know about THIS Bollywood star who left everything to become a Buddhist Monk

Former model and actress Barkha Madan has embarked on a profound spiritual journey, embracing Buddhism and transforming her life as a Buddhist monk, now known as Gyalten Samten. Her remarkable transition highlights her dedication to a path of peace and enlightenment.

January 14, 2025 / 16:57 IST
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Barkha Madan

Former model and actress Barkha Madan has embraced Buddhism and undergone a significant transformation, now living as a Buddhist monk under the name Gyalten Samten. Her journey reflects a spiritual shift as she dedicates herself to a new path.

Barkha Madan first rose to prominence in the modeling world, where she made her mark in the 1994 Miss India pageant, competing alongside iconic figures such as Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai. She soon ventured into Bollywood, making her acting debut in the 1996 film Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi.

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Following this, she appeared in notable films such as Bhoot alongside Ajay Devgn, Rekha, and Urmila Mathondkar. She also expanded her career to television, where she gained recognition for her role in the popular drama Saat Phere: Saloni Ka Safar on Zee TV.

In 2012, Barkha Madan, after years of exploration, found her true calling when she embraced Buddhism, inspired by her deep reverence for the Dalai Lama. Her spiritual journey began at a young age, when she visited a monastery in Sikkim during her 6th grade. It was here that she first felt a strong connection to the culture.