Bollywood stars stepping away from the limelight to embrace spirituality is not uncommon. In recent years, Zaira Wasim and Sana Khan have chosen this path, and even decades ago, Vinod Khanna made a similar decision, although he later returned to acting.
Another notable name on this list is Barkha Madan, a former model, beauty queen, and actor who has undergone a remarkable transformation. Now known as ‘Gyalten Samten,’ she has embraced life as a Buddhist monk. Read on to revisit her journey and learn more about her inspiring story.
Who Is Barkha Madan?
Barkha Madan made her Bollywood debut in 1996 with the action-packed film ‘Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi,’ sharing the screen with Akshay Kumar, Rekha, and Raveena Tandon. The movie was a major box-office success. However, her next significant role came in 2003 with Ram Gopal Varma's supernatural thriller ‘Bhoot,’ where she portrayed the ghost Manjeet Khosla. Her haunting performance left a lasting impression, even amidst a stellar cast that included Ajay Devgn, Urmila Matondkar, Nana Patekar, Rekha, Fardeen Khan, and Tanuja, as noted by IMDb.
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Between her roles in ‘Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi’ and ‘Bhoot,’ Barkha also made a mark on television. She appeared in the social drama ‘Nyaay’ and took on the role of Rani Laxmibai in the historical series 1857 ‘Kranti.’ From 2005 to 2009, she starred in the popular Zee TV series ‘Saat Phere: Saloni Ka Safar,’ alongside Rajshree Thakur and Sharad Kelkar.
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In 2010, Barkha stepped into production by founding Golden Gate LLC to support independent cinema. She produced and acted in two films, ‘Soch Lo’ and ‘Surkhaab,’ further showcasing her versatility and passion for storytelling.
Barka Madan Converts To Buddhism
In 2012, Barkha Madan embraced Buddhism and became a nun after being a long-time follower of the Dalai Lama. Adopting the name ‘Gyalten Samten,’ she now resides in mountain monasteries and occasionally shares glimpses of her spiritual journey on Instagram. Reflecting on her transformation, Barkha revealed in an interview with Deccan Chronicle how drastically her life has changed since taking her monastic vows.
"Life has become simpler. It does not take me more than 10 minutes to get ready, and all of my belongings fit into a single suitcase. I have just two robes, one pair of flip-flops, a laptop for accessing Buddhist texts, and a cellphone. I feel so free," she shared.
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The moment she took the leap into monastic life was deeply emotional and fulfilling. Barkha recalled in the interview, "When my head was shaved and I was draped in a robe, seeing my reflection on the floor made me break down. It was a moment I had longed for, and when it arrived, it was like the snap of a finger. After the ceremony, I was silent for a long time, overwhelmed with happiness as one of the first non-Himalayan Indian nuns."
Her daily routine is grounded in spirituality and service. She begins each day with meditation, followed by prayers and chanting. The rest of her day is dedicated to personal study, Buddhist practises, and helping others at the Centre by guiding meditation or conducting pujas for the sick and dying. "This way of life has brought me immense peace and purpose," Barkha concluded.
Barkha Madan openly admits that her life has significantly improved since embracing spirituality. Choosing the path of Buddhism was a decision made in her best interest, and it has proven to be the right one for her, bringing her a sense of fulfilment and purpose.
Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.
Credits: Barkha Madan Instagram
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