Mon Jan 13 10:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Bollywood Actress Barkha Madan Trades Glamor for Gowns: A Life Dedicated to Buddhism
**New Delhi:** While many Bollywood stars chase the limelight, some seek solace in spirituality. Following in the footsteps of Zaira Wasim and Sana Khan, who left successful acting careers for religious pursuits, Barkha Madan, a popular actress of the 1990s, made a dramatic life change thirteen years ago. She abandoned her promising career to become a Buddhist nun.
Madan, who once competed against Aishwarya Rai in the 1994 Miss India pageant (though Sushmita Sen won), transitioned from modeling to acting. Her debut in Akshay Kumar’s blockbuster film “Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi” (1996) and her critically acclaimed role in the 2003 horror film “Bhoot,” alongside stars like Ajay Devgn and Urmila Matondkar, solidified her position in the industry.
However, in 2012, Madan embraced Buddhism, changing her name to Gyeltsen Samten. A long-time follower of the Dalai Lama, she now resides in Himalayan monasteries, sharing glimpses of her life sparingly on Instagram. In a post detailing her journey, she described her transformation as a “rebirth,” receiving the full support of her parents in her decision. She has since completely withdrawn from the film industry. Her story is a testament to the unexpected paths individuals may choose, prioritizing spiritual fulfillment over worldly success.
First Piper 