U Thu Maung, also known as U Bala (fiction writer, Burma; b. 1951, Yangon) has written 32 novels, and numerous short stories and articles. He received the Mandalay literary award for ìMy Fatherís Motherî in 1999. The son of Burmese film director U Tha Du, Thu Maung has starred in 43 films and won Burmaís Academy Award for best actor in 1990; he has also directed five films. He embarked on a career as classical singer in 1975, and added pop music to his repertoire, becoming well known. He earned a degree in Diesel Engineering. Since 1996 he has devoted all his time to writing.

Countries
Burma
Languages
Burmese
Session
2001