From Bollywood Star to Buddhist Nun: The Inspiring Journey of Barkha Madan
Debuted With Akshay Kumar, Competed With Aishwarya Rai And Sushmita Sen—This Actress Quit Films For Monkhood
News 18
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Barkha Madan, a former Bollywood actress known for her roles alongside Akshay Kumar, Aishwarya Rai, and Sushmita Sen, left her successful film career to embrace monkhood. Influenced by the teachings of the Dalai Lama, she now dedicates her life to spirituality and shares her journey online.
- 01Barkha Madan transitioned from a successful acting career to becoming a Buddhist nun.
- 02She gained fame after winning the Miss Tourism India title in 1994.
- 03Her Bollywood debut was in the film 'Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi' (1996) alongside Akshay Kumar.
- 04Madan's spiritual journey was influenced by the teachings of the Dalai Lama.
- 05She now resides in mountain monasteries and shares her wisdom on social media.
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Barkha Madan, born in Punjab in 1970, began her career as a model and gained recognition in the 1994 Miss India pageant, where she won the Miss Tourism India title. She made her Bollywood debut in 'Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi' (1996) alongside Akshay Kumar, and later starred in notable films like 'Bhoot' directed by Ram Gopal Varma. Despite her success, Barkha felt a calling towards spirituality, influenced by the teachings of the Dalai Lama. In 2012, she made the significant decision to leave the film industry and became a Buddhist nun, adopting the name Gyalten Samten. Now living in mountain monasteries, she dedicates her life to spiritual practice and shares her journey on Instagram, emphasizing compassion and the importance of bodhicitta.
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