What Legacy Did Nelliat C. Shyamalan Leave Behind?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nelliat C. Shyamalan was a highly respected cardiologist.
- He was the father of filmmaker Manoj Night Shyamalan.
- Dr. Shyamalan researched the Thiyya community origins.
- He proposed a theory linking Thiyyas to Indo-Aryan migrations.
- His contributions spanned both medicine and cinema.
Chennai, Nov 6 (NationPress) Nelliat Curundadath Shyamalan (88), a prominent cardiologist and father of the renowned filmmaker Manoj Night Shyamalan, passed away in the US on November 4.
Originating from Mahe and with deep roots in Kannur, Dr. Shyamalan, known professionally as Nelliat C. Shyamalan, earned widespread respect for his extensive and devoted medical career in Philadelphia.
In addition to his medical achievements, he dedicated himself to personal research regarding the origins of the Thiyya community of Malabar.
Through DNA analysis, he proposed that the Thiyyas may have descended from Indo-Aryan groups migrating from Central Asia, particularly from the area that is now Kyrgyzstan, passing through Pakistan and Rajasthan, and eventually settling in North Malabar, Coorg, and the Nilgiris.
Dr. Shyamalan also had a notable connection to the film industry, serving as a cameo producer for his son's debut feature film, 'Praying with Anger' (1992).
He was the son of Krishnan and Panangatt Curundadath Mythili from Kannur.
He is survived by his wife, Jaya Lakshmi (US), daughter Veena Loftus (US), and siblings Venugopal (Chennai) and Daya Jayaram (Calicut).
His brothers Gangadharan, Sadhanandhan, and Raveendran passed away prior to him.
The funeral is scheduled for November 7 in the US.