Barkha Madan

Barkha Madan Biography

Barkha Madan is a former model, television anchor and popular television actress of Punjabi origin. She has also appeared in a few movies and produced a few movies as well. She has now accepted Buddhism and decided to become a nun. She has also changed her name to Ven. Gyalten Samten. As a model, her memorable event includes Miss India Contest 1994 where Sushmita Sen was chosen Miss India and Sushmita Sen & Swetha Menon became runner ups. She was one among the finalists of this contest. Following this contest, she participated in Miss Tourism International at Kuala Lampur, Malaysia the same year where she finished as runner-up. She made her film debut through Rekha- Akshay Kumar- Raveena Tandon starrer movie of Khiladi series - Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi in 1996.

She was born in Punjab in 1974 in an Army family. She completed Master’s in English literature. She became the finalist of Miss India Contest 1994 and it was the turning point of her career. It was followed by the runner-up title in Miss Tourism International at Kuala Lampur. Though her film debut was successful she became choosy and has appeared in only a few movies after that. Bhoot, Soch lo, Surkhaab and Driving Miss Palmen are her noted movies. Yet she gained popularity through television serials. Saat Phere, Ghar ek sapna and 1857: Kranti are her notable television works among the 20 serials she appeared on small screen.

She started a production company, Golden Gate LLC. She played the role of ghost in Ram Gopal Varma’s Bhoot, the lead role played by Urmila. The movie was remade to Tamil titled Shock and was one of the big hits of the year. She is an avid follower of Dalai Lama and in 2012, she accepted Buddhism. She had her ordination from Sera Je Monastery in 2012 to become a Buddhist nun.

Published: N/A

Updated: May 22, 2014