Mira Nair’s Son Zohran Mamdani Makes History as New York’s First Indian-American Muslim Mayor
New York: The Big Apple has chosen a new political trailblazer. Zohran Mamdani — a 34-year-old Democratic Socialist and state lawmaker of Indian origin — has been elected as the first Indian-American Muslim mayor of New York City, defeating political heavyweight and former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican rival Curtis Sliwa in a dramatic showdown.
Filmmaker Mira Nair, bursting with pride, took to social media to celebrate her son’s victory by resharing filmmaker Zoya Akhtar’s Instagram story that read: “Zohran you beauty”—complete with hearts and fireworks. The online celebration quickly caught fire as congratulatory messages poured in globally.
ICYMI: #Mamdani uses iconic #Bollywood song at victory party after being elected Mayor of #NYC. He hugs his wife and mom (filmmaker Mira Nair) on stage. #Dhoom Machale. @ZohranKMamdani pic.twitter.com/mrCb4iE3sa
— Raj Mathai (@rajmathai) November 5, 2025
Mamdani secured 50.2% of the vote — a record-high turnout for NYC’s mayoral race in more than 50 years — while Cuomo trailed with 41.5%. The upset deals a significant blow to Donald Trump, who had aligned with Cuomo in a last-ditch effort to reclaim political ground ahead of the 2026 midterms.
“I am young. I am Muslim. I am a democratic socialist. And I refuse to apologise for any of this,” Mamdani declared to thunderous applause in Brooklyn. “Tonight, New York — you delivered a mandate for change.”
His supporters broke into cheers and danced to Bad Bunny tunes as campaign posters waved high, marking a defining shift in the city’s political pulse. Meanwhile, a tense silence loomed over Cuomo’s midtown Manhattan watch event, where he conceded defeat with a warning: “Almost half of New Yorkers did not vote to support promises that cannot be met.”
Born in Uganda to renowned scholar Mahmood Mamdani and acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair — famed for Salaam Bombay! — the new mayor has brushed aside critics labeling him a “nepo baby”, instead crediting a grassroots movement built in subway stations, housing projects, and street corners.
Come January 1, Mamdani will be sworn in as the 111th and youngest mayor in New York City’s history, succeeding Eric Adams, who openly backed Cuomo.
Marking the moment, Mamdani posted a celebratory clip on X showing a subway train pulling into City Hall, the wall emblazoned with: “Zohran For New York City.” A fitting salute to a campaign powered by everyday New Yorkers — and a clear signal that City Hall has a bold new voice.
