This Former Actress, Who Debuted With Akshay Kumar, Is Now A Nun

Actress Barkha Madan, who made her Bollywood debut in the Akshay Kumar-starrer Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi, has taken a profound spiritual turn in her life by embracing Buddhism and adopting the name Gyalten Samten. Known for her beauty and acting prowess, Barkha Madan has now joined the list of Bollywood personalities who have transitioned from the glamour industry to a spiritual and contemplative life.

Following a challenging phase in her career, Barkha shifted her focus towards Buddhism and currently resides in the serene mountains. She frequently shares glimpses of her spiritual journey on social media, donning monk attire and emphasising her commitment to a life of mindfulness and tranquillity. In doing so, she joins the ranks of other Bollywood actresses like Zaira Wasim, Sofia Hayat and Sana Khan, who have similarly chosen spiritual paths over the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry.

A post shared by Barkha Madan (@barkhamadan17)

Barkha Madan initially rose to prominence in the entertainment industry after participating in the Femina Miss India beauty pageant in 1994, where she competed alongside iconic figures like Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai. Crowned Miss Tourism India and securing the third runner-up position at Miss Tourism International in Malaysia, Barkha’s beauty and talent paved the way for her entry into the film industry.

Her Bollywood debut in the 1996 film Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi was a significant success, featuring alongside stalwarts like Rekha, Akshay Kumar and Raveena Tandon. Following this triumph, Barkha Madan delivered a noteworthy performance in Ram Gopal Varma’s 2003 release, Bhoot, where she shared the screen with Ajay Devgn and Urmila Matondkar. Her acting skills were lauded by both critics and audiences alike.

In 2010, Barkha ventured into film production and founded Golden Gate LLC, a platform dedicated to promoting talented independent filmmakers. She produced and acted in two films, namely Soch Lo and Surkhaab. A staunch follower of the Dalai Lama, Barkha formally adopted Buddhism in 2012, marking a significant transformation in her life.