Miss India finalist turns monk

Be it name, fame, money or recognition — Bollywood actress Barkha Madan, a 1994 Miss India finalist and Miss Tourism Worldwide runner-up had it all. But the lure of glamour world only developed a void within her. In her quest for the ultimate truth and what happiness meant, Barkha, aka Gyalten Samten, renounced everything and embraced Buddhism a couple of years ago. Up for release is her internationally acclaimed movie Surkhaab, which she finished before her ordination. Her own production, it brings her into the spotlight one last time, as she bids farewell to her cinematic journey. She says, “It is an intriguing journey of a woman named Jeet, a state-level Judo champ living in Punjab who faces difficult circumstances when she illegally migrates to Canada to be with her younger brother. What follows is her inspiring journey to make a life for herself, protect herself and her family and deal with several unforeseen circumstances. The movie  explores underlying themes of globalisation, cross immigration and women empowerment.”

With an envious figure and a captivating smile, she made her presence felt in films like Khiladiyon ka Khiladi, Bhoot and Soch Lo among others. She attained financial stability early in life, but did not find contentment in material accomplishments. In the pursuit of happiness and freedom, Barkha decided to turn inwards and realised that Buddhism was her true calling. She shares, “It was not about having material things, but being dissatisfied with them and this dissatisfaction was getting crazier. I chanced upon a few books on Buddhism and met with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, which changed my definition of freedom. As long as you are in the samsara, you will very much be a part of the joyride... the only way out of the matrix is renunciation.”

After her monastic vows, Barkha feels her life has changed drastically. “Life has become simpler. It does not take me more than 10 minutes to get ready and all of my belongings can be packed in just one suitcase. I just have two robes, one pair of flip-flops, one laptop to access books on Buddhism and a cellphone. I feel so free.”

Taking the leap was a gratifying moment for her. She says, “When my head was shaved and when I was draped in a robe and saw my reflection on the floor, I broke down. Something that you have been wanting so much — when the moment comes it comes like a snap-of-a-finger. For a long time, I was silent after the ceremony and happy being one of the first non-Himalayan Indian nuns.”

Barkha’s typical day starts with meditation, followed by prayers and chants. “Rest of the day is divided into personal study, practice and offering service to people at the Centre; like guided meditation or offering pujas for the sick and dying,” she concludes.