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M. Night Shyamalan’s daughters have emerged as entertainers within their own right, reflecting the influence of their father’s storied career as a filmmaker. Shyamalan and his wife, Bhavna Vaswani, are parents to three daughters: Saleka, Ishana, and Shivani. The family’s strong bond and support have played a significant role in shaping the professional paths taken by the sisters, who have been inspired by their father’s artistic journey.
As M. Night Shyamalan’s daughters have matured, they have increasingly participated in family-focused projects across filmmaking and music, marking a collaborative venture that brings their familial ties into their creative endeavors. Ishana, the middle daughter, has made her mark as a filmmaker, and has recently directed her first horror film, The Watchers. Meanwhile, the oldest daughter, Saleka, has developed as a musician, contributing tracks to her father’s films and recently appearing in his horror movie Trap.
Shyamalan himself has acknowledged the profound impact fatherhood has had on his storytelling perspective. “Being a dad to three daughters influences how I visualize the world around me,” he shared with Screen Rant during the promotion of Trap. He elaborated on his fears and responsibilities as a parent, which underscore much of his work. “I often think about wanting them to look up to me and feel proud of my actions and my words,” he explained.
Saleka Shyamalan, 28
Saleka Shyamalan, known professionally as Saleka, is the eldest daughter of M. Night Shyamalan, born in August 1996. Growing up, she frequently watched horror films with her father, but her passion gravitated towards music from an early age.
“I trained extensively in classical piano, aiming for a career as a concert pianist,” she shared with The Hollywood Reporter. However, at 16, she transitioned to writing and composing her own music, seeking a more personal creative expression.
Saleka debuted her single “Clarity” in September 2020, followed by her album Séance in 2022. Her musical talents have been featured in several of her father’s projects, including the series Servant and the film Old.
When discussing her song “Remain” featured in Old, she told PS in 2021 about the collaborative nature of her family’s artistic discussions: “We regularly exchange ideas about our respective projects, making collaboration feel seamless.”
In August 2024, she acted for the first time in her father’s film Trap, portraying a character named Lady Raven and contributing 14 original songs to the film’s soundtrack, working alongside artists like Kid Cudi.
Ishana Shyamalan, 24
Ishana Shyamalan, born in November 1999, has embraced her legacy as the second daughter of the acclaimed director. Her father noted the significance of his film The Sixth Sense, released just before Ishana’s birth, stating a sentimental connection to her life and career journey.
Ishana developed her passion for filmmaking early on, influenced by the horror movie nights hosted by her father. “We were always watching horror films, even at a young age,” she recalled, recognizing these experiences as foundational to her identity. Her keen insight into cinema became apparent during activities such as watching films and discussing their merits with her father.
After engaging in various roles, Ishana has collaborated closely with M. Night Shyamalan, directing music videos and serving as a second unit director for films like Old and Knock at the Cabin. Furthermore, she has played a pivotal role in the series Servant, stepping into directing and writing capacities in later seasons.
Discussing her development, her father expressed his pride, noting her impressive growth in the industry and her strong capabilities as a director and writer, attributing much of her success to the extensive experience gained from working with him.
Shivani Shyamalan, 19
The youngest of the three sisters, Shivani Shyamalan, born in September 2004, has maintained a lower profile compared to her elder sisters. Yet, she frequently supports her family at public events, starting from a young age.
Shivani’s private life has been shared in glimpses by her mother, who fondly highlights her development and impact on the family. For her 16th birthday, Bhavna posted a heartfelt tribute showcasing her daughter’s unique qualities, emphasizing her compassionate and thoughtful nature.
On Mother’s Day 2024, Bhavna again expressed her admiration and pride for her daughters, celebrating their talents and the bond they share as sisters. “I am grateful for who they are becoming,” she wrote, reflecting on their courage and resilience.
Source
people.com