Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveBest of both worlds: Meet Vaibhav Mohanty – an accomplished scholar and musician

Best of both worlds: Meet Vaibhav Mohanty – an accomplished scholar and musician

Written by: Namrata Srivastava

(January 25, 2024) At 15, when most kids were in school and still working on deciding their career path, Vaibhav Mohanty was already accepted to Harvard. By 2019, the youngster had graduated from the University with a master’s degree in chemistry (theory) and a bachelor’s degree summa cum laude in chemistry and physics. But, if you think he is just another brilliant nerd, you are wrong. The young scholar is also quite an accomplished musician – a composer, arranger, pianist, saxophonist, and music theorist, who has performed across the United States and on international stages.

Scholar | Vaibhav Mohanty | Global Indian

“I am passionate about music and science,” shares the scholar as he connects with Global Indian, adding, “My current goal is to extend my physics-based theories of evolution to understand how molecular-level structural changes in proteins can induce changes in evolutionary fitness of viruses and cancers.” A student of Harvard Medical School and MIT, where he is pursuing medical training as well as a second Ph.D. (in chemistry), Vaibhav is the recipient of the prestigious Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans. “It’s an honour. It will help me connect with several other scholars who are working in the same field as I am and gain so much more knowledge from them,” he says.

A beautiful mind

Born to Bidyut and Sangeeta Mohanty in Charleston, South Carolina – who moved to the USA in the early 90s – Vaibhav began learning piano at the age of four. “I wrote my first piece for solo piano in memory of a late elementary school teacher when I was nine years old,” shares the scholar who loves watching old Bollywood movies with his parents. “Eventually, I began composing works for concert bands as well as chamber ensembles. I also performed in concerts as guest conductor for the premiere of my first symphonic work when I was about 12 years old.” In fact, throughout and after high school, Vaibhav taught music at the summer SMAART programme of the Charleston County School District. Additionally, he taught music theory at a private music studio in Charleston as well.

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A post shared by Vaibhav Mohanty (@mohantymusic)

Vaibhav has earned national recognition for his large wind ensemble and chamber works, which have been published by esteemed entities such as JPM Music Publications (Missouri), Lighthouse Music Publications (Ontario, Canada), Radnofsky-Couper Editions (Massachusetts), and C.L. Barnhouse Publications (Iowa). His compositions are widely distributed and regularly performed in the United States and various parts of the world. The scholar is also an active jazz pianist.

A brilliant student, who has often been the youngest one in his class, Vaibhav started working on gaining his footing both in the music world as well as the scientific world quite early in life. But ask him how such an accomplished musician turned to chemistry and medicine, and he quips, “Music and science happened in parallel for me. One of the main reasons why I was motivated to pursue a career in medicine is because of my own experience of being hospitalised, when I was nine. It was a short hospitalisation, however, I still clearly remember how amazed I was by all the technology present around me, especially the scanners. But what really convinced me was a high school thesis project, for which I was trying to understand when should a pregnant woman take ibuprofen or any other types of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, and how can it negatively affect the embryo,” shares the scholar.

Scholar | Vaibhav Mohanty | Global Indian

Vaibhav presenting the study he did for his senior thesis

Speaking about his project further, Vaibhav adds, “So, I was doing very basic research using the chicken embryos, which were fresh out of the egg. I learnt that we can use different animal model systems to try and understand how this might have a negative impact on humans. That made me realise that I would like to contribute to this field and help people recover from illness or advise them through challenging times in their lives.”

For a noble cause

After graduating from high school, Vaibhav joined Harvard University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and physics, with a minor in music. “While at Harvard, I was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa academic honour society as part of Harvard’s Junior 24 and received a 2018 Barry Goldwater Scholarship for his physics research. As an undergraduate and master’s student, my published research papers spanned several interdisciplinary topics across the sciences and even music, including diffusion MRI physics, time-dependent quantum mechanics of graphene, and mathematical and geometrical models of voice leading in music theory,” shares the scholar.

In 2019, the youngster received the prestigious Marshall Scholarship, which allowed him to pursue a PhD in theoretical physics at the University of Oxford’s Rudolf Peierls Centre for Theoretical Physics. “I must mention that it was one of the best experiences thus far. I got to work with the Condensed Matter Theory group with Professor Ard Louis to use statistical physics and spin glass theory to investigate fundamental properties of biological evolution,” expresses the scholar, who earned his first Ph.D. (DPhil) in 2022, having submitted his dissertation titled “Robustness of Evolutionary and Glassy Systems” in under two years, at the age of 22.

So what next? “Right now I am quite busy with my research and hospital schedule at Harvard. I aspire to develop novel therapeutic approaches to combat diseases subject to evolution on fast timescales and to treat patients with such diseases. But, I want to continue my musical journey as well. I plan to perform around the US and other parts of the world,” the scholar says.

Follow Vaibhav Mohanty on Instagram, Twitter, SoundCloud, and his website

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Shashi pai

February 2, 2024 4:29 am

Well deserved recognition. Making us proud 😊👍

Peyush Dwivedi

February 12, 2024 5:03 am

So happy to see Vaibhav recognized and appreciated. Mark my words he is destined to Grammy and bigger stages. Go Vaibhav !! 👏👏👍

Published on 25, Jan 2024

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Aadya Joshi: The Stanford grad spreading awareness on native plants through The Right Green

(May 14, 2024) When she was a junior at the American School of Bombay, Aadya Joshi founded The Right Green, an organisation that spreads awareness about native plants and their ecological role in providing food and habitat for local species of insects and birds. Now a student at Stanford University, Aadya also received the prestigious Children's Climate Prize in 2020. Everyday, Aadya Joshi would notice the neighbourhood police station on her way home from school in Mumbai. Outside the station was a vacant lot, full of confiscated vehicles that had not been claimed by their owners. Locals had also begun adding their trash, and the result was a landfill in the middle of a residential neighbourhood. Aadya wondered why nobody was doing anything about it, and in the end, decided that she would be the one to try. "In the end, I went to the police commissioner and the inspector and I said I can make a garden in this garbage dump if it's not being used productively," the Global Indian says. The police took a while to decide but ultimately agreed. [caption id="attachment_37799" align="aligncenter" width="577"] Aadya Joshi when she was in high school[/caption] Aadya gathered friends and residents together

idth="577"] Aadya Joshi when she was in high school[/caption]

Aadya gathered friends and residents together and for the next month, they met every weekend to clean out the trash. Then they removed the contaminated soil and replaced it, and turned some of the scrap metal into pots. Finally, they planted a garden in the old garbage dump. It was a success for Aadya in more ways than one. She saw that her work could have an impact, and understood the power of communities. She wanted to do more and began attending workshops, where she learned that restoring green cover is more than just planting trees. The key is to plant native plant species, even in a place where urbanisation has long since taken over plant cover.

The importance of native species

From there, Aadya, who was then a student at the American School of Bombay, began her own journey of learning. Eventually, she arrived at the work of Dr Doug Tallamy, a professor of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. He taught her how that planting non-indigenous species can do more harm than good, while native plants will also help restore and nurture the ecosystem of local insects and in turn, birds.

"We are faced with the sixth mass extinction of species, majorly because of the loss of natural habitats and native plants. It has disturbed the food cycle," Aadya says. "Native plants are a vital source of food for insects, and in turn for other species like birds and small animals. Hence the loss of native plants and their replacement with exotic, non-native plants has a cascading effect that results in a significant decline in biodiversity." In fact, she realised that pigeons and crows dominate Mumbai because the trees, which are not local, don't support biodiversity.

This is a remnant of colonial times, as the British had planted hundreds of foreign species of flora across the country. These species, like eucalyptus, were adopted by locals and now cover huge swathes of land, but are not conducive to other plants and trees, or even so to birds, bees and other insects. "In India, but especially Mumbai, you see a lot of colonial, non-native invasive plants," says Aadya. "For example, rain trees. People say they have been here for so long they must be a vital part of our ecosystem." In truth, rain trees are native to Costa Rica and support wildlife that belongs to the ecosystem there. "If you plant native plants, then the insects come back, the butterflies come back, you have caterpillars, and with them the birds come back," she adds.

The Right Green

Aadya had learned that simply planting trees is not the answer, but how many others know that? Could she teach people what they should be planting and why? That's how Aadya launched The Right Green, in 2018, and began by offering workshops for children between the ages of five and 12. Starting out, she tested her ideas on her brother, to see if he could absorb her message. The idea was for kids to learn and also have fun. She also held workshops for adults, corporates and municipal authorities and worked to facilitate the development of native biodiversity gardens.

"The first part of the workshop gets them into nature, since we have a lack of open spaces in Mumbai," Aadya explains. "The second thing is that I try to teach them how native plants support biodiversity, while non-native plants don't." The participants can explore the park they're in, and try and identify trees based on certain clues, and to observe the insects and birds they support. For instance, they can see for themselves that a mango tree is full of insect and avian life, where a rain tree might not even have any nests in its topmost branches. She even developed a unique financial model - the participants, if they find the workshop useful, pay it forward and cover the cost for the next batch of students. This also helps her take her mission to people from weaker financial backgrounds.

[caption id="attachment_37800" align="aligncenter" width="551"] Aadya Joshi is the founder of The Right Green[/caption]

The idea did well and soon parents of her students were also reaching out for advice on what to put in their home gardens. This led Aadya to phase two of The Right Green. She began building a database of native plants and ranked them by the amount of biodiversity they could support. She was following in the footsteps of Dr Tallamy, and reached out to him to learn more about his methods. "What I want is to create a resource that a lot of people can use so that when they plant their gardens, they will seed well," Aadya remarks.

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Yoga ambassador to the world: Brit-Indian boy teacher Ishwar Sharma’s acro asanas help spread calmness

(January 25, 2022) Picture this: A sprightly three-year-old watches his father do yoga in his Sevenoaks home at Kent. Fascinated, he starts to emulate his father, and learns the basics, promptly. Cut to 2021, the 11-year-old brushes shoulders with British choreographer and actor Ashley Banjo while receiving the Points of Light Award from UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson for teaching yoga to children across the world during the ongoing pandemic. Ishwar Sharma is a yoga prodigy who is making the ancient practice popular among youngsters. “Yoga has been popular in the UK for the past five years, and people in other countries are also taking it up. I believe celebrating international yoga day has helped us to take this great practice to the world,” the Global Child Prodigy Award-winner tells Global Indian in an exclusive chat. [caption id="attachment_9970" align="aligncenter" width="551"] Ishwar Sharma with Ashley Banjo[/caption] The three-time world yoga champion is now 12, and is on a mission to spread the practice to children everywhere. “It’s the best way to maintain mind and body balance. While pranayama meditation strengthens the mind and spirit, yoga asanas are perfect for fitness,” quips the boy who loves learning new asanas. He was just

d is on a mission to spread the practice to children everywhere. “It’s the best way to maintain mind and body balance. While pranayama meditation strengthens the mind and spirit, yoga asanas are perfect for fitness,” quips the boy who loves learning new asanas. He was just three when he saw his radiologist father religiously practicing yoga daily. A native of Mysuru, which is also the birthplace of ashtanga yoga, his father Dr N Vishwanath has been practicing for decades. His son soon followed suit. “I was fascinated, and started copying him. Since I learnt all the postures quickly, he taught me advanced postures too,” says the Sevenoaks resident who calls his father his first guru.

Like father, like son

What began as a practice soon transformed into a blessing as it has helped this little boy who has struggled with autism and ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) since birth, find inner peace and serenity. Emphasising the benefits of yoga, Ishwar chirps, “It helped me overcome stress and anxiety. I have learnt that by regular practice, one can remain physically and mentally healthy. It has helped me focus and concentrate on my studies too.”

[caption id="attachment_9968" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Ishwar Sharma performing yoga with his father[/caption]

Sharma believes in yoga’s potential to improve the lives of thousands of children, especially those with special needs. And that’s exactly what he did during the 2020 lockdown when he gave free online classes to children across the globe to help them find calm amidst the storm. “During the lockdown, children were stuck at home. Many parents asked me to teach yoga to their children, and it was a perfect way to keep them engaged, and physically and mentally healthy,” adds the Class 7 student who received the Points of Light Award in 2021.

A ‘point of light’ for others

Calling the accolade a beautiful surprise, Ishwar smiles, “It is a recognition for yoga as a practice globally, rather than for me. It has definitely been a motivation for me to continue my work.” The yoga prodigy is honoured to take the discipline global. “I am ever grateful to the gurus who invented yoga, and the yoga asanas. I feel honoured to take the discipline to the world. I compete with myself to keep improving,” adds Ishwar whose favourite posture is vrischikasana (scorpion posture).

The yoga prodigy was six when he first participated in the U-11 UK National Yoga Championship and won a gold, a streak he maintained for three consecutive years. “My first international yoga championship was in Kathmandu (Nepal) where I won two golds,” says the diminutive yoga teacher who has participated in championships across India, Bulgaria, France, Canada, etc. In 2018, Ishwar was named the British Indian of the Year (young achievers’ category). Laurels keep raining in, and his passion for yoga keeps him inspired. “Yoga is a lifestyle choice. Competitions are just motivating factors to achieve perfection,” adds this brand ambassador of yoga in the UK.

It is the time to breathe

Keeping the teaching to traditional asanas, Sharma gives them a twist as he choreographs the postures to music. Calling it acro yoga or artistic yoga, Ishwar shares, “I found that many children start doing yoga but discontinue because of boredom. To retain interest, I decided to choreograph different yoga postures to the music of the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita which made it artistic. So, acro yoga is a combination of yoga and acrobatics.”

[caption id="attachment_9971" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Ishwar Sharma doing vrischikasana[/caption]

Yoga, as a lifestyle

Born in Durham City in 2009 to radiologist parents who migrated in 1999, Ishwar has a strong support system in his folks, who are also his biggest cheerleaders. “My family has been supportive - helping with finances, time and continuous support,” says the wonder kid whose dad spent most annual leaves taking his son for competitions. He is equally thankful to his gurus who he calls, “the wind beneath my wings.” He is happy to have gurus that moulded him, “My teacher Nutan Rameshwari has moulded me into a student for life. Sudhir Golwalkar is another teacher who is helping me. I am also influenced by Shri Baba Ramdevji with whom I have had an opportunity to perform on stage with, and Dr Nagendraji.”

The Whitgift School (Croydon) student, Ishwar is grateful for the encouragement by his teachers. “My school is well-known for sports, and I am on a sports scholarship too. Yoga is a lifestyle, and practicing yoga helps me with academics,” says the pint-sized boy who can chant up to 50 shlokas from the Vedas and Bhagavad Gita, which has helped him improve his memory. The schoolboy also inspired his 10-year-old sister Indira to start yoga, who, “Won this year’s UK National Yoga Championship,” beams the proud brother.

Helping others as a part of the yoga teachings

A fan of Minecraft, Ishwar unwinds with video games, and badminton, chess and golf too. His passion for charity sets him apart - donating toys to children in Nigeria, feeding the homeless in Croydon under the supervision of his guru Maheswari. “Helping others is a part of the teachings of yoga. I am involved with the Rotary Club, and recently did a surya namaskar session with rotary clubs in Ghana and India,” says the boy-child-yoga-pro who was nominated as the Community Hero of the Week in August 2020 by Sevenoaks MP Laura Trott.

Ishwar believes in the power of yoga, and also gives free online sessions. “Yoga helps children imbibe discipline, and boost physical and mental health. It improves focus and concentration. I am one of the biggest examples as it has helped me overcome my autism and ADHD symptoms.”

Now, he has his heart set on the Olympics. “I do hope yoga will be included in the Olympics soon,” says the yoga prodigy. “I believe doing your duty with perfection is yoga. I think everyone should enjoy what they do as it makes life easy and stress-free,” says the boy teacher.

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Ashwath Kaushik: Singapore based rising chess star making history and inspiring minds

(March 22, 2024) After a challenging three-hour match last month at the Burgdorfer Stadthaus-Open in Switzerland, Ashwath Kaushik, a third-grade student, was on cloud nine. At just eight years, six months, and 11 days old, he made history by becoming the youngest player on record to defeat a chess grandmaster in a classical tournament match. His opponent was the 37-year-old Polish Grandmaster Jacek Stopa. “I feel very proud of my game and how I played against the grandmaster. My expectation was to win and my goal was to beat the grandmaster and get the world record,” said the Indian-origin chess player, who represents Singapore in international tournaments. At the Burgdorfer Stadthaus-Open in Switzerland, he finished 12th overall. 'It's a classical contest, and I am very happy with the results,' he shared after the win. Impressive milestones at young age Before facing Stopa, Ashwath had won his opening three games at Stadthaus-Open. The tension in the game had escalated from the early stages. In the 13th move, Stopa proposed a draw, but Ashwath chose to continue. As the game approached its conclusion, the young player capitalised on a mistake made by Stopa, ultimately securing the most significant triumph of his burgeoning

young age

Before facing Stopa, Ashwath had won his opening three games at Stadthaus-Open. The tension in the game had escalated from the early stages. In the 13th move, Stopa proposed a draw, but Ashwath chose to continue. As the game approached its conclusion, the young player capitalised on a mistake made by Stopa, ultimately securing the most significant triumph of his burgeoning career.

The youngster does not like to go for draws. “Fight till the end, even if you are losing because there is still some hope. Never give up and keep playing, try your best,” he said. “Just get to the centre and develop lots of pieces. Don't blunder pieces randomly and just develop pieces and you'll be better and your opponent will blunder pieces and then take advantage of the mistakes of your opponent," he remarked. This is part of his winning strategy, and the young player emphasises, 'Go in confident, don't take draws, and always go for the win.'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s_dH6p6vio

Born in 2015, the young player has swiftly garnered recognition by securing victories in several youth tournaments. He had emerged the World Under-8 Rapid champion in 2022.

The same year, the then six-year-old had won three gold medals at the Eastern Asian Youth Championships in the Under-8 segment. A year prior to that in 2021, he had in the World Cadets Rapid Championships in Greece, and proved his talent.

“Chess is very important to me because it's fun to play. You get to think a lot, and it's good for your brain,” the young boy shared in a recent interview. The eight-year-old travels overseas multiple times a year for tournaments, and has displayed the patience and diligence by playing the game for up to five-and-a-half hours in tough tournaments.

Extraordinary talent

No one in Ashwath’s family plays chess and it was a surprise for his parents to see their son getting such a fine grip of the game at such a tender age. After discovering the game at the age of four the young player would spend hours engrossed in it. “It’s surreal as there isn’t really any sports tradition in our families” Ashwath’s father Kaushik Sriram said in an interview with Chess.com.

When he was introduced to the game by his parents, Kaushik had quickly surpassed their skills and had even outplayed his grandparents. Recognising their son’s extraordinary talent, his parents enrolled him in chess lessons to further hone the game’s tactics.

He ‘has a photographic memory’, Ashwath’s father said. “He solves long complex puzzles visually. He finished GM Jacob Aagaard’s entire Grandmaster series recently without using a board,” he added.

Ashwath also loves building LEGO in his leisure time. However, chess always remains on top of his priority list.

[caption id="attachment_36776" align="aligncenter" width="389"] Ashwath Kaushik[/caption]

Dedication and support

The young player who aspires to become a world champion, was so focussed since the beginning that he could play chess all day. Looking at his extraordinary talent his father had approached some of the best coaches in Singapore, who readily agreed to train the youngster looking at his talent. Amongst Ashwath’s trainers are Kevin Goh Wei Ming, a grandmaster and CEO of the Singapore Chess Federation.

“He is tactically very sharp, mainly due to lots of practice and we are trying to build his strategic understanding,” Goh remarked in an interview. Ashwath has also received training from grandmasters Thomas Luther and Andrey Kvon. A member of the Under-14 squad of Singapore, Ashwath considers Late Soviet-Latvian chess legend Mikhail Tal his idol.

He receives constant support from his parents and his school, Overseas Family School in Pasir Ris. Interestingly, he is keen on introducing his four-year-old brother to the game of chess as well. Like any child, he has his favourites, such as Juicy Drop candy, and enjoys family outings to the Singapore Zoo and Universal Studios Singapore.

The Indian-origin player had moved to Singapore with his parents in 2017 when he was barely two years old.

ALSO READ | Praggnanandhaa: The prince of chess and Arjuna awardee 2022

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Eshani Jha: The teen’s bio-waste filtration device can increase access to clean water

(June 17, 2023) Eshani Jha was only 17 years old when she created a low-cost, water filtration device to address the problem of clean water around the world. In 2021, just as the San Jose teen entered the University of Berkley, she was named winner of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize for her innovative, low-cost, water filtration device, which uses treated biochar as a filtering material. Eshani received a blue crystal award, a handmade diploma and a cash prize of $15,000 awarded by the Stockholm International Water Institute. Her work is also in keeping with the UN's SDG, in particular, SDG 6, which aims to ensure available and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The idea is to improve access to clean drinking water, sanitation facilities and hygiene practices, while addressing water scarcity, water pollution and water-related ecosystems. The clean water challenge "Water contamination is a key challenge of modern civilisation," the Global Indian said. "Nearly half the world's hospital beds are filled with patients suffering from water-related diseases. According to the UN's Environment Program, 80 percent of global wastewater goes untreated and contains a wide range of contaminants, from human waste to toxic industrial discharge. Severe pathogenic

water goes untreated and contains a wide range of contaminants, from human waste to toxic industrial discharge. Severe pathogenic pollution affects around one-third of the world's rivers. Correct water filters are inaccessible to those who need them dueto tradeoffs between cost and effectiveness," the young innovator remarked. Her invention, she says, can lower the cost of use to less than $1 per month for consumers, if it is mass-produced.

[caption id="attachment_31179" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Young innovator Eshani Jha[/caption]

The San Jose- teen is the winner of two of the top competitions for science and innovation - the Stockholm Junior Water Prize and the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021. Eshani received recognition and a cash prize of US$150,000 for her innovative low-cost water filtration device called Biochar. Her invention not only removes heavy metals like lead but also addresses pesticides, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals in drinking water. Inspired by her Indian heritage and witnessing the plight of underprivileged communities during a trip, Eshani is determined to provide accessible solutions for water contamination issues. "I see a multitude of applications for this, and I also see great potential in targeting other contaminants too," Jha said. "My ambition is that this should be a one-stop filter."

The journey to the Stockholm Junior Water Prize

Jha's research is titled 'Thiol Functionalized and Manganese Dioxide Doped Biochar for the Removal of Toxic Organic and Inorganic Contaminants from Water" It was chosen for its applicability, the choice of a commonly-available material (biochar) and its potential for scaleability, the Stockholm International Water Instititute said later.

The young innovator began her work when she was a student at Lymbrook High School in San Jose, and was first recognized by the California Stockholm Water and Environment Association. Her research was chosen by a panel of engineering professors and board members of the CWEA, after which she went on to represent her state at a competition hosted by the Water Environment Federation. After being declared the winner there too, she went on to the SIWI international platform, competing against 44 finalists from 32 countries.

Eshani Jha's remarkable journey from a high school student to an internationally recognized innovator serves as an inspiration to young minds around the world. Her determination to address the global water crisis has led to the creation of a low-cost water filtration device that holds the potential greatly increase access to clean water.

Receiving the Stockholm Junior Water Prize and the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021 accolades further solidifies Eshani's place as a pioneering force in the field of science and innovation. The recognition and cash prizes she has received not only validate her groundbreaking work but also provide her with the resources to continue her research and bring her vision to life.

Re-purposing bio waste

Eshani's invention, Biochar, not only filters out heavy metals but also tackles contaminants like pesticides, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals, ensuring cleaner and safer drinking water. Her commitment to addressing water pollution and scarcity aligns perfectly with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6, underscoring the relevance and impact of her work on a global scale.

With a clear vision of expanding the application of her filtration device to target other contaminants, the young innovator is determined to provide accessible solutions for water contamination. As Eshani Jha continues her journey at the University of Berkeley, her innovative spirit and dedication will undoubtedly shape the future of water filtration technologies. Through her groundbreaking research, she has opened doors to a world where clean drinking water is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all.

Ishana Night Shyamalan: Carrying forward the family legacy with her directorial debut

(April 30, 2024) Following in the footsteps of her father, Manoj Nelliyattu ‘M. Night’ Shyamalan, Ishana Night Shyamalan also graduated from his alma mater, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Similar to her father's journey, the Indian American youngster has turned into a filmmaker. She started her career by working on music videos and short films before stepping into the world of filmmaking. The 22-year-old, recently released the trailer of her debut feature film, ‘The Watchers,’ which boasts of an impressive star ensemble including Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Oliver Finnegan, and Olwen Fouere. Scheduled to hit theatres in June 2024, ‘The Watchers’ trailer went viral soon after its release. In her debut feature film Ishana has worked on a horror-themed narrative, a genre that her father is renowned for. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrhrNS0JFyg Influences in approach to cinema Although Ishana is deeply inspired by her father, she shared in an interview that a significant influence on her craft also comes from the works of Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. “I think like in my bones, I'm most inspired by Miyazaki,” she remarked adding, “Like I just think those have been the movies that throughout my life have moved me the most and

o comes from the works of Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. “I think like in my bones, I'm most inspired by Miyazaki,” she remarked adding, “Like I just think those have been the movies that throughout my life have moved me the most and they're very sacred things to me. So, in many ways, this was just like chasing the experience that I feel when I watch those movies, which is one of wonder and adventure and innocence in many ways.”

Wong Kar-wai, Hong Kong’s director, screenwriter and producer and Polish film director Krzysztof Kieślowski are some of the other filmmakers who have had an influence on Ishana’s approach to cinema.

Carrying forward the legacy

“From making shorts, to going to Tisch, to becoming one of our top writer/directors on ‘Servant’ (TV series) to this incredible moment of #TheWatchers in theatres this summer… Ishana has always made me very proud. And even better than making a dazzling film, she is a wonderful person,” tweeted her proud father. He had immigrated with his doctor parents from Pondicherry to the USA when he was six weeks old.

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The New York University Tisch School of the Arts alumni graduated in 1992, adopting 'Night' as his second name during his time there. A blend of Eastern and Western influences in name extended to his three children, including Ishana.

Not the first father-daughter collaboration

It’s not the first time that the father-daughter duo has collaborated for a project. Ishana contributed to M. Night Shyamalan’s eerie Apple TV+ series ‘The Servant,’ as a writer and co-writer for 10 episodes and as director for six episodes. She also served as the second unit director for her father's box office hits, ‘Old’ (2021) and the recent ‘Knock at the Cabin’ (2023). Both the productions had topped the charts during their opening weekends.

While working with him, M. Night Shyamalan, Ishana, his middle daughter, inherited his knack and expertise for crafting suspense, thrills, and compelling drama. “The training from him has existed my whole life,” she remarked.

[caption id="attachment_37460" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Ishana Night Shyamalan at the sets of M Night Shyamalan's movie 'Old' (2021)[/caption]

For her directorial debut, Ishana adapted the screenplay from a novel by the Irish author A.M Shine who has written several literary horror masterpieces.

Talking about her adaptation Ishana remarked, “It’s a journey of suspense that hopefully leads into a feeling of wonder at the end. My hope is it’s an experience that plays on that sense of unease – then takes you to a bigger, wonderful place.”

Pursuing art to survive

Since she was a child Ishana was creatively inclined whether it was painting, ballet, poetry and even designing clothes.

“I’ve moved through different forms of art throughout my whole life and kind of later in life came to filmmaking. But there’s really been no other option in terms of my psyche – I’ve only felt that I need to be doing art to survive,” she remarked.

For nearly twenty years, Ishana and her family, including her siblings Saluki and Shivani, along with their parents Bhavna and their father, have lived in Ravenwood, a 1937 Georgian revival house nestled on a 125-acre estate in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Proudly, the father has also backed Ishana’s directorial debut through his production company, Blinding Edge Pictures.

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