Bageshwar Dham Sarkar

Does taking a mala or reading Hanuman Chalisa make me a bhakt?

Bhakti is constant remembrance

Taking a mala, hearing a katha or reciting the Chalisa does not by itself make a bhakt. Bhakti is remembering your ishta every moment while you live.

One who lives life remembering their chosen deity every moment, every instant, that is bhakti.