Renowned Cardiologist Dr Nelliat C Shyamalan Passes Away at 88
Dr Nelliat Curundadath Shyamalan, the esteemed cardiologist and father of acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, has passed away. He was 88 years old. The sad event occurred on November 4 in the United States, with his funeral services taking place on November 7 in Pennsylvania.
A Life of Medicine and Heritage
Dr Shyamalan's journey began in Mahe, Pondicherry. His early childhood was spent in Singapore and Malaya, where his father managed a rubber estate. Following his father's passing in 1946, he returned to his birthplace, Mahe. His academic pursuits in medicine were marked by studies at Brennan College in Thalassery and graduation from the prestigious JIPMER in Pondicherry. He later moved to the United States for higher medical studies, establishing a distinguished career in cardiology.
Beyond his medical practice, Dr Shyamalan was a passionate chronicler of his heritage. He authored the book North Africa to North Malabar: An Ancestral Journey, a significant work that explores the probable origins of the Thiyya community of North Malabar, to which he belonged. His connection to the world of cinema was also notable, as he played a cameo role as a producer in his son's debut feature film, Praying with Anger, released in 1992.
Family and a Filmmaker's Tribute
Dr Nelliat C Shyamalan is survived by his wife, Dr Jaya Lakshmi; his daughter, Veena Loftus; his son, M. Night Shyamalan; and his siblings, Venugopal and Daya Jayaram.
Announcing the profound loss on Instagram, the filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan shared a heartfelt tribute. He wrote, "My dear dear father has passed. The amount of loss we are feeling is immense... Thank you for supporting me and allowing all my dreams to come true... I will try to live up to his example of kindness, optimism and joy." This public message offers a glimpse into the deep personal bond they shared and the values Dr Shyamalan embodied.
M. Night Shyamalan himself is a towering figure in modern cinema, known for directing blockbuster films with signature plot twists, including The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, Signs, and Split. His most recent directorial work is the 2024 film Trap.
The passing of Dr Nelliat C Shyamalan marks the loss of not just a skilled physician but also a dedicated researcher of his community's history, leaving behind a legacy that bridges medicine, culture, and family.
