Barkha Madan
| Barkha Madan | |
|---|---|
| Born |
17 August 1974 Punjab |
| Occupation | Film actress, television actress, model, nun |
| Years active | 1994–present |
Barkha Madan (born 1974) is a former Indian model, film actress and film producer who has also appeared in television serials and hosted some TV shows. Impressed by Buddhist ideologies, in November 2012 she had her ordination to become a Buddhist nun and changed her name to Ven. Gyalten Samten.
Born on 1974 in an army family from Punjab, Barkha Madan holds an honors in English Literature. She became a finalist in Miss India contest 1994 with Aishwarya Rai, Sushmita Sen and Swetha Menon, and was a runner-up at the Miss Tourism International at Kuala Lampur, Malaysia, 1994. Becoming a successful model, and made her debut on the big screen with the 1996 Bollywood movie Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi with Akshay Kumar and Rekha.
Though many offers came to her following her impressive performance in Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi, Barkha preferred to remain selective. She made her entry in foreign films with the Indo-Dutch movie Driving Miss Palmen. It was Ram Gopal Varma's 2003 horror film Bhoot which proved to be a turning point in Barkha's career. The movie became an instant hit. She played the role of a ghost in the movie, earning praise for her performance.
She started a production and distribution company named Golden Gate LLC, to promote talented independent filmmakers. It produced two critically acclaimed films, Soch Lo and Surkhaab, with her in the lead.
Barkha has also been a popular face in the television industry, appearing in about 20 TV shows.
Barkha was very much impressed by the ideologies of Buddhism and is an avid follower of the Dalai Lama. In November 2012, she set her mind to become a Buddhist nun. She had her ordination from Sera Je Monastery on November 4 under Lama Zopa Rinpoche's supervision and changed her name to Ven. Gyalten Samten. She later commented that it was the most important and right decision she ever made in her life.
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