Manoj Night Shyamalan, the director of Sixth Sense, a much acclaimed U.S box office hit and an Oscar-nominee, the highest paid scriptwriter and one of the best paid directors in Hollywood.

Born in Madras, India, on August 6, 1970 but raised in posh suburban Penn Valley area of Philadelphia, the son of Jayalakshmi Shyamalan(obstetrician) and Nelliate Shyamalan(cardiologist). Had a very early passion for filmmaking when given a Super-8 camera by age 8. His first film, 'Praying with Anger' was based somewhat on his own trip back to visit the India of his birth. Shymalan lives in Wayne, Pennsylvania, part of the affluent "Main Line" suburban region of Philadelphia. His parents, wife and 9 other family members are MDs and/or Ph.Ds. Completed 45 home made movies by age 17. His middle name Night was made up during college.