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Time of India
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Zohran Mamdani wins NYC Mayor Democrat primary: How is he related to Mira Nair?
'Tis the time of turntables! In a stunning historic and political upset, 33‑year‑old Zohran Kwame Mamdani has emerged as the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor. On June 24, he led the first round of ranked‑choice voting with roughly 44%, outpacing former Governor Andrew Cuomo at nearly 36%. Cuomo decided to concede, saying, 'Tonight is his night,' with Brad Lander possibly ending in the third position. However, the final ranked‑choice tallies will be confirmed on July 1. M amdani's breakthrough isn't just a personal victory; it signals a seismic shift in city politics – a movement shaped by democratic socialist values, and energized by a progressive, youthful electorate demanding bold solutions. Carrying the legacy forward: Although Mamdani's win is historic and holds a certain amount of political shift, his meteoric rise isn't entirely unforeseen or overnight. Because, amid the political fireworks, lay a story of cultural depth: Zohran Mamdani is the son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and renowned academic Mahmood Mamdani. M by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo amdani, born in 1991 in Kampala, Uganda, moved with his family to South Africa and then to New York City by age seven. Nair, celebrated for Salaam Bombay!, Monsoon Wedding, and The Namesake, reportedly met his second husband, academic Mahmood Mamdani, in Uganda during the filming of Mississippi Masala; they married in 1991 – the same year Zohran was born. Quite expectedly, Zohran's upbringing was steeped in intellectual rigor and cultural exchange. In fact, in a delightfully impactful collaboration, Nair herself became a living campaign surrogate, canvassing for her son – consistently, but subtly. Nair's presence added human texture to a campaign already layered with cultural richness. However, she rarely introduced herself and put forth her own weightage of achievements and accolades. Being true to her spirit, Nair rather let Zohran's message and accomplishments speak first, and then disclosed her identity: 'I'm his mother. ' That authenticity – free from the chaotic shackles of nepotism – has not been telling, but far more grounding. Zohran stood on his own merits while honoring a rich family legacy of narrative, empathy, and social consciousness. The path, the policies Zohran's ascent is more than another political story – it's a continuation of Nair's artistic mission, reframed in policy and public service. Her films gave voice to global strivers and diasporic communities; his campaign brings those narratives to living room debates and city council chambers. The result isn't inherited fame, but an inherited ethos – a commitment to narrative, empathy, and systemic change. Mamdani's campaign unfolded with millennial vigor: viral social‑media content, over 20,000 volunteers canvassing across the boroughs, and progressive pledges – rent freezes, free bus rides, city‑owned grocery stores – that not only resonated deeply with working‑class New Yorkers but also paid homage to his socialist upbringing. As the first‑round results rolled in – with early voters overwhelmingly backing him – his message proved potent. And it is not an overstatement to say that Mamdani's achievement is set to be a remarkable first: New York's mayor would become the first Muslim, first South Asian, and first DSA‑affiliated leader of the city. Mira Nair's politician-rapper son Zohran Mamdani wins seat in New York State Assembly One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Who is Mira Nair? NYC mayoral election's Hollywood connection
As New Yorkers head to the polls Tuesday, June 24, the race is shaping up to be a two-man contest between a well-known ex-governor and a social media-savvy newcomer. Andrew Cuomo, viewed as an early frontrunner in the race, is getting a run for his money from Zohran Mamdani, a New York State assemblymember. Mamdani is also the son of Mira Nair, an Indian-American filmmaker who's worked with A-list talent in her nearly five-decade-long career. Nair is best known for "Mississippi Masala," a cross-cultural romance movie that starred Denzel Washington and Sarita Choudhury. The film, released in 1991, explored the expulsion of the Indian minority from Uganda during the reign of Idi Amin. Cuomo's political comeback may be blocked by young progressive Zohran Mamdani While location scouting for the film, Nair met Mahmood Mamdani, the mayoral hopeful's father, who was among the Indian minority expelled. The elder Mamdani was an author and academic, and after marrying, the pair moved for his work sporadically before settling in New York City, where their son is now gunning to be the city's leader. Nair's other major credits include 2001's "Monsoon Wedding" and "Salaam Bombay!" which was nominated for both an Oscar and a BAFTA in 1988. She is also behind "Queen of Katwe," a 2016 hit film on which the younger Mamdani helped with both casting and directing. Can an AOC-backed socialist upset Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayor's race? Should Mamdani win, he would be the first Muslim mayor of the United States' largest city and the first Democratic Socialist. His campaign, which has galvanized a young and progressive populace in New York City, has been fueled by a heavy TikTok presence and a series of ambitious policies promised, including free bus fare and frozen rent for tenants in stabilized units. He is supported by much of the Democratic party's left flank, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Cuomo, on the other hand, represents a more establishment figure, and has earned the endorsement of former President Bill Clinton.
