Kyaw Hein and his daughter explain the actor’s plans to help people as a monk.

“I AM giving my new idea to the people of Myanmar” says U Kyaw Hein, who, despite his continuing success as a film star aged 61, is quitting the film industry to become a monk for the rest of his life.

On his 61st birthday, U Kyaw Hein made clear to the media his plans for the future. Before November 4 he will finish all of his artistic works and arrange the creation of art products, including movies, a VCD karaoke and a comic about him. The proceeds from these profits will be used to help the disadvantaged.

“I want to help people who are suffering from mental illness. I want to share with them my own methods on how to maintain a peaceful mind-set in life. I have come to realise this method through my life experience. As an actor, I had to assume the character of many different kinds of people and adopt their mind to perfect my work. This got me interested in the mind and over time I have developed my method step-by-step. I am willing to treat people suffering from mental illness with my technique.” said U Kyaw Hein.

The actor’s decision to travel around the country as a monk is quite a departure from his previous life. With just two robes U Kyaw Hein is intent on offering assistance to those who require his help.

U Kyaw Hein has been living as a vegetarian for the last few years. Aside from helping people with mental illness he also wants to help young people to lead good, positive lives.

Khin Khin Kha, his daughter and a film director says “I know everybody is thinking about my father and what he is doing these days. We are going to produce our products before November 4. We will sell all products for K400 and will donate the money to the needy people and social associations. He [U Kyaw Hein] has taught us how to live our lives and control our minds. Every week we had to phone him and report what problems we had during the week. He would suggest ways in which we could overcome our problems and communicate better with people… He always talks about the zero method. He says everything on the earth is zero and we all are adding some value to this as we live our lives. But when we die we carry nothing. This is true for everyone”.

U Kyaw Hein is rich and famous but has chosen to donate his life to the people and spend his time as a monk. People are wondering how we will manage this transition to becoming a monk, leaving behind his successful acting career. For the answers we will have to wait and see.