Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
M. Night Shyamalan
August 6, 1970
Mahé, Puducherry, India
56 Years Old
Leo
Who Is M. Night Shyamalan?
Manoj Nelliyattu "M. Night" Shyamalan is an American filmmaker and actor known for crafting psychological thrillers with unexpected plot twists. His distinctive style often blends supernatural elements and suspense.
He rose to prominence with The Sixth Sense, a 1999 supernatural drama that earned him Oscar nominations. The film became a massive box office success, cementing his reputation.
Early Life and Education
Manoj Nelliyattu Shyamalan was born in Mahé, India, on August 6, 1970, to physician parents. He was raised in Penn Valley, Pennsylvania, after his family's move to the US.
He attended Waldron Mercy Academy and Episcopal Academy. Shyamalan then graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, honing his filmmaking skills.
Notable Relationships
A long-term romance has defined M. Night Shyamalan’s personal life with his wife, Bhavna Vaswani. They met at New York University and married in 1993, a partnership spanning over three decades.
The couple shares three daughters: Saleka Shyamalan, Ishana Shyamalan, and Shivani Shyamalan. Ishana and Saleka are both pursuing careers in filmmaking and music, respectively.
Career Highlights
M. Night Shyamalan cemented his reputation with the supernatural thriller The Sixth Sense, a 1999 global phenomenon. He also directed Unbreakable, Signs, and The Village, collectively grossing billions worldwide.
Shyamalan steers Blinding Edge Pictures, his production company, overseeing projects like the Apple TV+ series Servant. He also directed multiple episodes of the psychological horror series.
His work garnered two Academy Award nominations for The Sixth Sense. Shyamalan is noted for his distinct authorial voice and twist endings, influencing modern suspense cinema.
Signature Quote
"My biggest fear in life is to be average."