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The 1994 edition of Femina Miss India is etched in history for launching global icons – Sushmita Sen, who won Miss Universe, and Aishwarya Rai, who became Miss World. (Image: Instagram) Barkha Madan and Shwetha Menon both competed in the iconic Femina Miss India 1994 pageant, alongside Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai, but their lives took dramatically different paths, reflecting the diverse journeys beauty queens can embark on. (Image: Instagram) Shwetha Menon won the Femina Miss India Asia Pacific title, securing her place among the top three winners. Barkha Madan was a finalist, earning recognition for her elegance and screen presence. (Image: Instagram) After her pageant win, Shwetha Menon transitioned into modeling and acting. She appeared in Hindi films like Ishq, Asoka, and Anurag, but her true breakthrough came in Malayalam cinema, where she earned acclaim for her bold and layered performances. (Image: Instagram) Her Career Highlights:– Award-winning roles in films like Paleri Manikyam, Salt N’ Pepper, and Ozhimuri.– Winner of Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actress.– Hosted popular TV shows like Star Singer and Rising Star.– Participated in Bigg Boss Malayalam, expanding her fan base. (Image: Instagram) Shwetha is known for embracing complex characters and pushing boundaries in regional cinema, earning respect as a serious performer. (Image: Instagram) After her stint in modeling and acting, Barkha Madan appeared in films like Bhoot, Soch Lo, and Surkhaab, which she also produced. However, her life took a profound turn in 2012 when she chose to leave the entertainment industry and embrace Buddhism. (Image: Instagram) Life Transformation:– Ordained as a Buddhist nun in the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.– Took the name Ven. Gyalten Samten.– Now lives a monastic life in Himachal Pradesh, away from the glamour of showbiz.– Her film Surkhaab won the Best Feature Film award at the Canada International Film Festival. (Image: IMDb) Barkha’s journey reflects a deep spiritual calling, trading fame for inner peace and service. (Image: Instagram)
