33 year old son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, Zohran Mamdani, has entered New York City’s 2025 mayoral race, emerging as a formidable contender for the Democratic party. A Queens assemblyman since 2020. His progressive agenda and savvy campaign has positioned Mamdani as a close second to former Governor Andrew Cuomo. If elected, Mamdani would go on to become NYC’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor.
Born in Kampala, Uganda, to Nair and Indian origin Ugandan scholar Mahmood Mamdani, Zohran moved to NYC at seven where he became an American citizen. Mamdani claims to be inspired by Bernie Sanders and his inspiration reflects in his political agenda that focuses on affordability. He has proposed free buses, rent freezes, and city owned grocery stores. He has been widely endorsed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, more commonly known as AOC, who called Zohran a ‘good egg’.
Mamdani’s campaign is the talk of the town with its heavy bollywood influence. Drawing on his mother Mira Nair’s cinematic legacy, Mamdani released a vibrant campaign video entirely in Hindi inspired by the 1975 Bollywood classic Deewar. The video features dramatic montages of Mamdani engaging with communities, set to stirring music. The video, shared widely on social media, resonated with South Asian voters.
With strong funding of about $7 million, including public matching funds and a robust social media presence, Mamdani’s campaign is a hit with the younger generation. Among the challenges that Mamdani face, a video has emerged from 2020 calling out his alleged targetting of Hindus, which he has denied. His ambitious plans however require state approval.
