From Bollywood Glamour to Buddhist Tranquility: The Journey of Barkha Madan (Gyalten Samten)
Remember the captivating ghost in Ram Gopal Varma’s “Bhoot“? The same actress, Barkha Madan, once competed with Aishwarya Rai at Miss India. But her path took a remarkable turn, leading her away from the glitz of Bollywood and towards the serenity of Buddhist monkhood. Today, known as Gyalten Samten, she resides in a mountain monastery, a stark contrast to her past life.
Barkha’s journey began in the vibrant world of modeling and pageantry. She strutted down runways, graced magazine covers, and even held titles like Miss Tourism India. Her Bollywood debut alongside Akshay Kumar in “Khiladi Ka Khiladi” promised a bright future. But the industry’s unpredictable nature meant roles weren’t always forthcoming.
Yet, Barkha’s talent shone through. Her portrayal of the haunting Manjeet in “Bhoot” remains etched in viewers’ minds. Between films, she explored television, appearing in popular shows like “Nyay” and “Saath Phere.”
Despite success, a deeper calling beckoned. A lifelong follower of the Dalai Lama, Barkha found solace in Buddhist teachings. In 2012, she made a life-altering decision, embracing monkhood and adopting the name Gyalten Samten.
Today, trading cameras for prayer beads, she finds peace in the serene mountain setting. While glimpses of her spiritual life appear on her Instagram, the focus is far from the spotlight.
Gyalten Samten’s story is a reminder that life’s paths are many, and fulfillment can lie in unexpected places. Her journey inspires introspection, showcasing the courage to follow one’s true calling, no matter how unconventional it may be.
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