Barkha Madan
| Barkha Madan | |
|---|---|
 Barkha Madan at Bhoot film success party in 2003 | |
| Born |
1974 (age 40–41) Punjab |
| Occupation | Film actress, television actress, model, nun |
| Years active | 1994–present |
Barkha Madan (born 1974) is a former Indian model, film actress, film producer who also appeared in numerous television serials and also hosted many 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.
Early life
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 & Swetha Menon and became a runner’s up at the Miss Tourism International at Kuala Lampur, Malaysia,1994. Turning to a successful model, she made her debut in big screen with the 1996 Bollywood movie Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi with Akshay Kumar, Rekha.[1]
Acting career
Though numerous offers came to her following the impressive performance of Barka in Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi, she preferred to remain selective. She made her entry to foreign films with the Indo Dutch movie Driving Miss Palmen. It was Ram Gopal Varma's 2003 horror film Bhoot which gave a turning point in Barkha's career. The movie became an instant hit and received rave reviews. She played the role of a ghost in the movie and earned wide applause for her performance. She started a production and distribution company named Golden Gate LLC recently with an intention to promote talented independent film makers. Two highly critically acclaimed films named Soch Lo & Surkhaab came under the company and both the films had Barkha in the lead. While leaping to great heights in big screen, she also became a popular face in the television industry. Barkha appeared in about 20 TV shows and delivered a high octane performance.[2]
Turning to spirituality
Barkha was very much impressed by the ideologies of Buddhism and is an avid follower of 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.[3]
Filmography
samay- 19974
- Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi(1996)
- Driving Miss Palmen (1996)
- "Bhoot" (2003)
- "Soch Lo"(2010)
- "Surkhaab (2012)
Notable Television Works
- 1857:Kranti
- "Ghar Ek Spana"
- "Saat Phere"
References
- ↑ "About Us | Indian Entertainment Online". Indianentertainment.info. Retrieved 2013-09-05.
- ↑ "Barkha Madan Bio from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India". Funbaz.com. Retrieved 2013-09-05.
- ↑ "The “Bollywood” Nun: An Indian Actress Takes Ordination Vows « Mandala Publications". Mandala.fpmt.org. 2012-11-04. Retrieved 2013-09-05.