For those of you who don’t know, she was a finalist in Miss India 1994 alongside icons like Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen. Yes, you read it right! She quickly made her mark in the world of modelling and film. She bagged the title of Miss Tourism India, ranked third internationally in Malaysia, and later, dazzled the screen in Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996) with Akshay Kumar, Rekha, and Raveena Tandon.
But while her star rose in public, her soul was quietly searching for something else.
What was missing?
Despite her success, from intense roles like the haunted Manjeet Khosla in Ram Gopal Varma’s Bhoot (2003) to strong performances in TV shows like Nyaay, 1857 Kranti (as Rani Lakshmibai), and Saat Phere – Barkha felt an unsettling void.
“Is this all there is to life?” was a question that echoed louder with every photoshoot and spotlight. The glamour and applause were real, but so was the silence in between.
What led Barkha Madan to Buddhism?
Having long been drawn to the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Barkha wasn’t just dabbling in spiritual reading – she was quietly transforming. After years of inner conflict, she made a life-altering decision in 2012: to renounce fame, fashion, and the film industry to become a Buddhist nun.
What is Barkha Madan’s new name?
With her ordination, Barkha shed not only her career but also her name. The actress became Gyalten Samten, a monk living in the peaceful corners of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. No makeup, no camera angles, no dialogues, just meditation, service, and silence.
Her journey from runway to robe is not just rare, it’s revolutionary, a powerful reminder that some souls shine brightest away from the spotlight.